Messi, Ronaldo, Ribery on shortlist
Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo have been named on the three-man shortlist for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award for the 2012-13 season.
The list is compiled of votes from journalists from each of UEFA’s member national associations – the winner will be announced in a live vote during the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on August 29.
Andres Iniesta was awarded the accolade last year while his Barcelona team-mate Messi lifted the prize in its inaugural edition during the 2010-11 season.
Argentina star Messi, the four-time reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, helped Barca win the Primera Division title last term with 46 league goals – earning him the European Golden Shoe award in the process.
France international Ribery, meanwhile, was a key part of the Bayern Munich side which became the first German club to win the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal last term.
Portugal’s Ronaldo netted 34 league goals for Real Madrid last season and finished as top goalscorer in the Champions League with 12 strikes.
The positions from fourth to tenth have already been decided and will remain fixed, with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski fourth, and Bayern team-mates Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller fifth and sixth.
Tottenham’s Gareth Bale is seventh, Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern is eighth while Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie occupy ninth and 10th positions, respectively.
Source: ESPN.com
