Why Manchester United’s De Gea did not make FIFA’s Best Goalkeepers’ list

One of the popular names missing when FIFA released their voting sheets for their Best Goalkeeper of 2017 award, was Manchester United’s David De Gea.

The prize was won by 39-year-old Gianluigi Buffon, who led Juventus to the Champions’ League final.

De Gea’s omission caused uproar on social media, as most United fans questioned why he was not on the list.

However, it has been confirmed that it was because De Gea did not appear on the list at all. The Spain stopper netiher got any nomination or one vote.

According to FIFA, the award “rewards the best goalkeeper, regardless of championship or nationality, for his achievements during the period from Nov. 20 2016 to July 2 2017 inclusive” and the “winner of the award will be selected by a panel of experts including former goalkeepers and strikers.”

In response to an ESPN FC request for comment, a FIFA spokesman reiterated the rules, adding that the organisation is “not involved in the final selection of nominees.”

Buffon got more than 40% of the vote. Manuel Neuer more than 30%. Keylor Navas and Thibaut Courtois got about 10% each.

Hugo Lloris, Jan Oblak, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Alisson also picked up votes.