Thursday's UEFA Champions League draw will get the ball rolling on yet another exciting campaign for European football. Last season's champions, Bayern Munich, will be represented in the UEFA Best Player award, as Frank Ribery will be looking to beat out Messi and Ronaldo.
For Ronaldo, his desire to claim this award is not only something he is really wishing for, but his fans have been disappointed with the results in the previous two years.
The Portuguese captain has been in the running the last two seasons, but unfortunately was left behind with Messi and Andres Iniesta claiming the award. Could this be the year CR7 finally takes the award home with him?
We will take a look at their year from a statistical point of view, leaving you with an idea or an opinion as to who deserves to win the award.
*Watch the UEFA Champions League draw live and find out who wins the 2013 UEFA Best Player award.
Lionel Messi
For years now, Messi has made a name for himself with his incredible dribbling skills. He may be small, but his pace with the ball at his feet is something most players struggle to contain.
Last season he started 59 matches for club and country, will making over 65 appearances overall. From all his time on the pitch, the Argentine captain contributed 75 goals and 18 assists. Having played so many matches, Messi appeared to have lost his flare towards the end of the campaign, which led many to criticize his inability to lift Barcelona past Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Here is a look at the 60 goals Messi scored for Barca during the 2012/13 season:
Frank Ribery
When talking about the world's best player, or UEFA's best player, many football fans and even analysts may not put Ribery in their top three. But regardless of what everyone else things, the Bayern Munich forward made the cut, and now sees the opportunity to be the first non La Liga player to claim the title since it merged in 2010.
Ribery not only has pace, but he is also able to get teammates involved when you least expect it.
For someone of his size, he has a light of fight in him. His 132 fouls suffered across all competitions is proof of that. Along with his never give up attitude, Ribery scored only 16 goals for club and country, but managed an impressive 23 assists.
Here is a look at how Frank Ribery has progressed during the last two seasons:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Some would say that Ronaldo is the more complete player from the three players involved, but clearly the journalists who have voted over the last two seasons do not see it that way.
Ronaldo has been a standout player since his move from Sporting CP to Manchester United. Under Sir Alex Ferguson's training, the Portuguese forward has become one of, or even the best player in the world.
His struggle with fellow countryman Jose Mourinho last season was evident, and it may have taken a toll on some of his performances. But the Madrid number seven was still able to put up some impressive stats throughout the 2012/13 campaign.
With a total of 62 goals scored in over 68 appearances for club and country, Ronaldo also took 435 shots and earned himself 14 assists. Whether it be from long distance, a free kick or even getting his head on a cross, Ronaldo can hit you from all angles.
Here is a look at Cristiano Ronaldo's goals during the 2012/13 season:
