YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Manuel Neuer has been named as the World's Best Goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

The 27-year-old shot-stopper, who won five trophies with Bayern Munich in 2013, while at the same time helping Germany qualify for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, was the clear victor of the vote, which brings together editors and experts from 70 countries.

As reports “Armenpress” citing goal.com, Neuer finished with 211 points, a staggering 133 clear of his closes rival, Italy and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon, who has four previous triumphs to his name.

Chelsea's Petr Cech finished third, just ahead of the Blues' Thibaut Courtois, who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Victor Valdes, who is to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, came home fifth, with Real Madrid's out-of-favour goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who had won the award for the past five years, claiming sixth place.

Manuel Neuer is a goalkeeper of Bayern Munich. He was born on March 27, 1986 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Manuel started his youth career in 1991 in the youth system of Schalke 04. The young goalkeeper made a promising start. That is why the expectations for Neuer were high and the youth coach gave him a chance to appear on the pitch regularly. From 1991 to 2005 the German goalkeeper attended the club’s academy until he received an offer to sign a professional contract.

In 2005 Neuer signed his first contract with Schalke 04. Despite lack of experience in pro football, it took only a moment for Manuel to become the first goalkeeper in the team. He appeared in every single club’s match helping his team on the way not only to the UEFA Cup but also to the UEFA Champions League. From 2005 till 2011 Neuer was the club’s main goalkeeper with 197 appearances.

Thanks to high-level performance with the Germany national football team, Manuel was made number one candidate for the main goalkeeper position of Bayern Munich. Neuer was eager to start a new era in his career to continue his progress, therefore he decided to join Bayern, which is always vying for the champion title and competes in the Champions League. In summer 2011 Neuer signed a five-year professional contract with Bayern Munich, which paid €18 million for his transfer, plus €7 million for Manuel’s great performance in the club.

From 2006 to 2009 he made 20 appearances for the Germany national U-21 football team. Starting from 2009 Manuel has been the first goalkeeper of the German national team with 31 caps.