What is the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award?

This award is being given to the players in Europe, irrespective of their nationality. The players are judged in regard to their performances over the whole season in all competitions – both domestically and internationally – at either club or national team level.

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How are the players shortlisted?

Players are shortlisted by a jury made of 80 coaches from the clubs that participate in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League (32) and UEFA Europa League (48), along with 55 journalists selected by the European Sports Media (ESM) group, one from each of UEFA’s member associations.

Jury members choose their top three players, with the first receiving five points, the second three and the third one. It is to note that coaches are not allowed to vote for players from their own team.

Talking about the 2018-19 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award, Argentina forward Lionel Messi, Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk were nominated on Thursday.

The winner will be named – along with the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year and UEFA Champions League positional award winners – during the group stage draw in Monaco on 29 August. The UEFA Europa League Player of the Season will be announced the following day.