It’s that time of year: the best footballers of 2017 will be named in EA Sports FIFA Team of the Years. EA is changing things up a bit this year; for the first time ever, the FIFA TOTY will be voted on by a carefully curated list of media, athletes and FIFA community members.
Here’s how it works:
Ballot recipients will receive a custom-built ballot box that includes a shortlist of football’s most elite 55 players, nominated by EA SPORTS for their real-world performance in 2017. Each ballot recipient will cast their vote by posting a photo on social media of their TOTY, consisting of three attackers, three midfielders, four defenders and one goalkeeper in a 4-3-3 formation. Ballots will make up 60 percent of the total vote and EA SPORTS makes up the other 40 percent. Follow along as votes are revealed with #TOTYVote.
Here are the FIFA 18 TOTY Nominees for Goalkeepers:
GIANLUIGI BUFFON – JUVENTUS
“Ever the ageless wonder, Buffon continues to defy expectations every single year that he plays. Despite retiring from the Italian national team in 2017, he holds the record for most-capped player in the history of European football.”
DAVID DE GEA QUINTANA – MANCHESTER UNITED
“The Spanish international has become a vital member of the United squad in recent seasons, and he played an important role in their league and continental dominance in 2017.”
HUGO LLORIS – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
“One of the most consistent goalkeepers in world football, Lloris had a stellar 2017; he helped Tottenham secure a 2nd-place finish in the Premier League and led France to the top of their World Cup qualification group.”
KEYLOR NAVAS – REAL MADRID
“Having picked up numerous team and individual honors since arriving at Real Madrid, Navas has established himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.”
JAN OBLAK – ATLETICO MADRID
“Occasionally underrated, Oblak has been a crucial presence between the posts during Atletico’s meteoric rise in recent seasons.”
Voting must be done by January 12. The final Team of the Year will be announced starting on January 15, with special TOTY player items available in packs for a limited time in FIFA 18 Ultimate Team and FIFA Mobile.
