The UEFA Club Footballer of the Year is recognises the best player, regardless of nationality, who played in one of the 53 UEFA member states over the previous season. The jury is made up of 53 journalists from each of those nations and announced today that the three short-listed players are Leo Messi and Xavi Hernández of the latest Champions League winners, Barcelona, and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Four FCB players in Top 10

As well as the top three, the positions of the other players in the top ten were also announced. Two of these were Barça players, Andrés Iniesta, who came fourth, and Gerard Piqué, who cam ninth.

Voting on August 25

The winner will be announced on August 25 at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw. The 53 journalists will be casting their votes on the same day as the announcement.