Five days have already gone by, that means we're ready to announce the winner of the sixth category of the UMBRO Futsal Awards 2009 - 10th Edition by Futsalplanet.com.
As tradition wants it, today is time to know who's the Best Goalkeeper of the World, with refer to the year 2009. Let's move from Russia (where the 2008 winner Sergey Zuev live and play) towards Argentina and be ready to celebrate the argentinean Santiago Elias!

Winning year
No matter if you're in Italy or Argentina, Napoli or Buenos Aires. If you're used to win, every land works fine with your purposes: and that's the case of Santiago Elias, who experienced a 100% successful year along two different continents. Great expectations were destinated to his first season in Italy and results are under all eyes: Napoli Vesevo got an historical promotion in first division. Though the great italian debut "Santi" decided to come back in his native Argentina, where the whole Pinocho's staff was waiting for him. What's happened then? On December 8th Pinocho got the Nonacampeón status. Santiago Elias, born to win.

Goalkeeper, goalscorer
The most peculiar aspect of Santiago Elias as a goalkeeper is definitely given by his "double nature". The Villa Urquiza arquero is worldwide known not only due to the great skills in defending his goal from the "enemy attack" but also as a great striker and real nightmare for his colleagues, both through actions shots and double penalties (watch the video below for a better comprehension!). No changes in the year 2009, 12 months of great saves and impressive goals!

World Stars shirt
When Elias began collecting caps with the Argentinean national team it seemed clear that turning into the "first option" was just a matter of time for him. Overcoming the strong competition given by Guisande and Mandayo in recent times, Santiago Elias is nowadays recognized as the "Argentina keeper". A statement which was considered valid also by CBFS when chosing the World Stars roster for a double friendly game vs Brazil. A good way to put the "end" word on the year 2009, isn'it?

All those factors were the "key" to crown Santiago Elias as winner of the Best Goalkeeper of the World category of the UMBRO Futsal Awards 2009 - 10th Edition by Futsalplanet.com!!

Enhorabuena Santi!


UMBRO Futsal Awards by Futsalplanet.com

Best Goalkeeper of the World - Winners
2009 -> Santiago Elias (Napoli Vesevo/Pinocho & Argentina)
2008 -> Sergey Zuev (Viz-Sinara Ek. & Russia)
2007 -> Tiago (Malwee Futsal & Brazil)
2006 -> not celebrated
2005 -> not celebrated
2004 -> Luis Amado (Boomerang Interviu & Spain)
2003 -> Luis Amado (Boomerang Interviu & Spain