32-year-old Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the UEFA’s Player of the Year, beating Lionel Messi and Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon to the prize following his stellar campaign.
Ronaldo, who also won the prize this time last year, was part of the final three-man shortlist alongside Barcelona rival Lionel Messi and Juventus living legend Gianluigi Buffon.
The Portugal captain helped Madrid to a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals last season.
He has now won the award three times, one more than Messi. He managed 42 goals in all competitions for Real in 2016/17, actually his lowest tally since his debut season with Los Blancos, but finished the campaign with a La Liga triumph, only the club's second since 2008 after years of Barcelona dominance.
Barcelona’s Netherlands midfielder Lieke Martens, 24, won the women’s prize. Martens was instrumental in her country’s European Championship victory this summer, where she was named the player of the tournament.
She beats Wolfsburg striker Pernille Harder and Lyon midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan to claim the prize.
England striker Jodie Taylor and right-back Lucy Bronze were named in the top 10, but missed out on the top three, voted for by coaches and journalists.
Other Awardees of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League Season
Best Goalkeeper of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Gianluigi Buffon
Best Defender of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Sergio Ramos
Best Midfielder of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Luka ModriΔ
Best Forward of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Cristiano Ronaldo
UEFA President’s Award: Francesco Totti
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