Messi, Ronaldo headline Best Player in Europe Award shortlist of 10 best players
10 players are on the list, and seven of them play in Spain's La Liga
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1 min read
The shortlist for the 2015-16 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award was announced on Monday, and the big names, as always, are there.
Here's the list:
- Gareth Bale (Real Madrid and Wales)
- Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy)
- Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid and France)
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid and Germany)
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)
- Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany)
- Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany)
- Pepe (Real Madrid and Portugal)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal
- Luis Suarez (Barcelona and Uruguay)
Real Madrid leads the way with four players, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona each have two.
The list comes from votes by 55 journalists from each of the UEFA member associations. Three finalists will be announced on August 5. The winner will be announced on August 25 at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.
Messi and Ronaldo are both the favorites to win the award after fantastic seasons. Each won two trophies, with Messi getting the Copa del Rey and La Liga with Barcelona, while Ronaldo won the Champions League with Real Madrid and Euro 2016 with Portugal.
Barcelona star Neymar did not make the list.
The award began in 2010-11, which Messi won. Andres Iniesta won in 2011-12, Franck Ribery earned it in 2012-13 and Cristiano Ronaldo won it in 2013-14. Last year Messi took the trophy home yet again.
Messi scored 41 goals for Barcelona this season, while Ronaldo had 51 for Real Madrid.
No players from the Premier League made the list. (Enter Brexit joke here).
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