UEFA revealed the 10-man shortlist for the Best Player in Europe award on Monday, and unsurprisingly, the list is dominated by stars from the recent UEFA Euro 2016 competition.
Two men to feature are Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, the Real Madrid superstars who enjoyed unforgettable campaigns in the European Championship.
The Portugal captain endured a roller-coaster tournament which saw his nation finish in third during the group stage, march to the final where he got injured in the first half, and then eventually lift the crown.
His Welsh team-mate's campaign, on the other hand, was more straight forward, albeit the Dragons crashed out in the semis. The world's most expensive player scored three goals en route to the last 4, before Cristiano and Co. ended their run.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi – last year’s winner – also made the cut after winning the league and cup double with Barca and helping his national side reach the Copa America Centenario final. He was joined by Blaugrana team-mate and the 2015/16 Pichichi winner Luis Suarez.
Another standout player to make the list is Antoine Griezmann, the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner of UEFA Euro 2016, after guiding Les Bleus to the final before losing to Portugal in extra-time.
Griezmann lost two major finals in 2016, but was instrumental enough to make the list
There were some surprise exclusions, as Leciester City’s 2015/16 heroes Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy finished in 11th and 12th respectively. Bayern Munich ace and last season's Bundesliga top-scorer Robert Lewandowski was also nowhere to be found.
Blaugrana ace Neymar, the man who made the 2015 final Ballon d’Or shortlist, enters at 19th spot – tied with Andres Iniesta, Renato Sanches, and Eden Hazard.
The 10 players have moved on to the second round of voting, as chosen by journalists from UEFA's 55 member associations. Another round of voting will be held to decide the three finalists on August 5.
10-man Best Player in Europe Shortlist
Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, Wales)
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Italy)
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid, France)
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina)
Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Pepe (Real Madrid, Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Portugal)
Luis Suarez (Barcelona, Uruguay)
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