Facts and figures: UEFA.com Team of the Year 2017

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Who's the oldest, who's pulled clear as most selected defender and which country is represented for the first time? This and more in our in-depth look at the UEFA.com fans' Team of the Year.

Facts and figures: UEFA.com Team of the Year 2017 ©UEFA.com

You voted in your droves – a record of nearly 8.8 million, in fact – and on Thursday morning we revealed the UEFA.com fans' Team of the Year 2017. Now it's time to dig a little deeper.

HOW MANY OF YOUR XI MADE THE FINAL CUT?

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy)

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Picked for a fifth time and now just one behind leading keeper Casillas
At 39, Buffon extends record as oldest ever player to make the team

Defender: Dani Alves (Juventus/Paris & Brazil)

Draws level with Piqué and Lahm on five selections
Has previously been picked while at both Sevilla and Barcelona

Defender: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid & Spain)

Received more votes than any other player for second season running
Has made the final XI seven times, outright record for a defender

Defender: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus & Italy)

Giorgio Chiellini is included for the first time©AFP/Getty Images

First inclusion after missing out in four previous years nominated
Second straight appearance for a Juve defender (Bonucci in 2016)

Defender: Marcelo (Real Madrid & Brazil)

First appearance since 2011, only other time he was nominated
Received second-most overall votes, only behind Ramos

Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City & Belgium)

One of two Belgians chosen – a country never previously represented
First Manchester City player to have made the XI

Midfielder: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid & Germany)

Toni Kroos has been in three of the last four teams

One of six midfielders picked three times, two shy of Xavi, one behind Iniesta
Sixth year running that at least one German figures in all-star side

Midfielder: Luka Modrić (Real Madrid & Croatia)

Included for second straight year following debut appearance in 2016
Only Croatian ever voted into the Team of the Year

Midfielder: Eden Hazard (Chelsea & Belgium)

First Chelsea player selected since Ashley Cole in 2010
Chosen after missing the cut on three previous occasions

Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina)

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Makes grade for a ninth time – only Ronaldo has more inclusions
Received third-most votes, behind only Ramos and Marcelo

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Portugal)

Selected for a record 12th time overall – three more than any other player
Eleventh consecutive year: four as midfielder (2007–10), seven in attack