ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has revealed who he thinks will win 2017 Ballon d’Or – and it’s NOT Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
The Atletico Madrid star came third behind the duo in last year’s award, but has tipped goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to take this year’s gong.
Manchester United’s top transfer target Griezmann did not shy away from a bold prediction ahead of the Champions League final in Cardiff on June 3.
He believes Juventus will beat Real and win the tournament for the first time since 1996, which will see evergreen stopper Buffon, 39, win the coveted individual award.
The Italian international came second behind fellow countryman Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, but it would be a huge accolade for a person of his experience.
The last person who wasn’t Real’s Ronaldo or Barcelona’s Messi to win the award was Kaka in 2007 – and CR7 is hot favourite after another stunning season.
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Messi is of course his brilliant best as per usual – but Buffon is on course to win the treble at Juve for the first time in his career.
In an interview with El Larguero, Griezmann said: “”Juventus will win the Champions League and therefore Gigi Buffon the Ballon d’Or.
Despite United courting the 26-year-old Frenchman, Griezmann added he is happy at Atletico: “Our objectives will become clear with the signings that the president makes.
“I am very happy at Atletico, Gil Marin and my agent have had a conversation. I do not see myself in China.
“I want titles, team titles, I will give everything at Atletico for that.”