Arjen Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer: these are the three players who have topped UEFA’s 10-man shortlist after journalists from the confederation’s 54 member associations voted. Last season, CR7 opted to miss the event to feature in a charity match for Real Madrid. This month, the Portuguese superstar may get his hands on the prize for the very first time.
He has been tipped as the favourite, thanks to his record 17 goals in a single Champions League campaign and his stellar performance in the 2014 UEFA Super Cup. However, Ronaldo faces a tough challenge in the form of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, whom he beat twice at the Allianz Arena in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League semis.
Indeed, the Bayern Munich shot-stopper bounced back from his side’s humiliating 5-0 aggregate loss to help Germany win the World Cup in Brazil. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, could not carry Portugal past the group stages as he did in the World Cup playoffs.
Arjen Robben, meanwhile, would fancy his chances. He controversially lost out to Lionel Messi for the World Cup 2014 Golden Ball award. He could be compensated for his brilliance in Brazil with the Netherlands. The World Cup bronze medallist also enjoyed a fine season with Bayern Munich alongside Neuer.
In a live vote on August 28th, a new football star will be crowned Europe’s best. The titleholder is Bayern Munich’s French midfielder, Franck Ribery, who announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday. The previous winners of this award – initiated by UEFA president Michel Platini in partnership with ESM (European Sports Media) – are Lionel Messi (2010/11) and Andres Iniesta (2011/12).
The other seven players who failed to make the final cut of this year’s UEFA Best Player award were ranked in this order:
#4: Thomas Mueller (Germany; Bayern Munich) – 39 points
#5: Philipp Lahm (Germany; Bayern Munich) – 24 points
#5: Lionel Messi (Argentina; FC Barcelona) – 24 points
#7: James Rodriguez (Colombia; AS Monaco/Real Madrid) – 16 points
#8: Luis Suarez (Uruguay; Liverpool/Barcelona) – 13 points
#9: Angel Di Maria (Argentina; Real Madrid) – 12 points
#10: Diego Costa (Spain; Atletico Madrid/Chelsea) – 8 points
Lionel Messi, a very rare omission on the shortlist of football awards
