GLOBAL FOOTBALL
Buffon beats Cristiano to Golden Foot award
The goalkeeping great is the fourth Italian footballer to win the prize, which only involves active players of at least 28 years of age.Celta-Real Madrid: LaLiga
Legendary Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been named as the 2016 winner of the annual Golden Foot award.
Keeper chosen ahead of Cristiano
The 38-year-old beat Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo into second in a tight vote for the gong, which is contested by active players of at least 28 years of age.
Ten nominees are picked by an international panel of journalists based on personality and achievements, with football fans then choosing the recipient of the accolade on social media and the Golden Foot website.
Fourth man from Italy to receive award
Buffon succeeds Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o and is the fourth Italian to claim the prize after Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti.
In addition to Cristiano, the World Cup winner saw off the likes of Iker Casillas and Leo Messi to the distinction, which can only be given to a player once.