Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has been shortlisted for the UEFA Best Player in Europe award for the 2011/12 season. The Whites’ forward will compete for the title with Barcelona players Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi. The final decision will be announced on 30th August in Monaco during the draw for the group stage of the Champions League.

The Portuguese player who has been nominated previously (2010/2011) scored 46 goals last season in the Whites’ victorious Champions League campaign. He was also semi-finalist in Euro2012 with Portugal.

The award recognises the efforts of players of any nationality who play in UEFA sanctioned competitions. The selection of the three finalists was made by a jury of 53 journalists from UEFA’s member associations.

Among the 32 candidates were seven Whites: Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas, Coentrao, Pepe, Özil, Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo. The fourth to tenth positions have been set, leaving Iker Casillas and Mesut Özil with the sixth and tenth places, respectively.

The gala at which the winner will be announced will take place in Monaco on 30th August, coinciding with the draw for the group stage of the Champions League.