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The Best Awards 2021: Nominees for the Best Men’s Goalkeeper revealed

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FIFA has shortlisted three players as the finalists for this year’s Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper awards.

Last year, Manuel Neuer won the award for the best men’s goalkeeper of the year. The Bayern Munich captain was an integral part of his side’s success as they won a historic treble.

Neuer has, once again, retained his place among the top three goalkeepers of the year. FIFA has shortlisted Neuer alongside Gianluigi Donnarumma and Edouard Mendy as the award’s finalists.

An international jury of managers, international captains and a specialist journalist from each territory will crown the winner. FIFA will hand out the prize to the winner during the FIFA Best awards on January 17.

Following Bayern’s 2020 treble, Neuer has retained his top form. The 35-year-old won the Bundesliga trophy with Bayern while also securing his second Club World Cup title. 

However, Neuer is not the favourite to win the award this year. Donnarumma won the Yashin award at the Ballon d’Or last month. The Italian goalkeeper’s impressive performances during Azzurri’s Euro 2020 win give him an advantage over the two other nominees.

On the other hand, Mendy also spent an incredible year at Chelsea. The Senegalese keeper was a crucial part of the Blues’ squad as they won the Champions League. Several observers even rate Mendy above Donnarumma due to his more stability at the club level.

The Senegal star reacted to his Ballon d’Or snub last month.

Speaking to Canal+ (via Wiw Sport), the goalkeeper said: “It’s something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am wondering.

“If I had played for France and had taken part in the (European Championships), would we have this debate and this reflection?”

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