BUFFON, MESSI & RONALDO MAKE UEFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST

Gianluigi Buffon Italian International goal keeper, Messi and CR7 have been shortlisted for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award.

Ronaldo won the award last year and it has twice been given to Barcelona forward Messi.

Andres Iniesta (2012) and Franck Ribery later are the only other players to have lifted the trophy.

The prize recognises the best players, regardless of nationality, playing for clubs in UEFA territories and is judged on their performances in domestic, continental and international competition.

The final shortlist of 3 players were selected by a jury of 80 coaches of the clubs which participated in the group stage of the 2016-17 Champions League and Europa League, along with 55 journalists selected by the European Sports Media group. Coaches were not allowed to vote for players from their own teams.

Other players that made up the top 10 list are:

4: Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)

5: Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)

6: Paulo Dybala (Argentina, Juventus)

7: Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid)

8: Kylian Mbappe (France, Monaco)

9: Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern Munich)

10: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Manchester United)