Ronaldo, Bale Top European Footballer Of The Year Shortlist

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mate Gareth Bale top a 10-man shortlist announced on Monday for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.

Ronaldo helped Real win their11th Champions League title, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in May and also won the Euro 2016 with his country, Portugal. Fellow Portugal and Real team-mate Pepe is also on the shortlist.

Wales’ Bale, who was instrumental in his country’s historic qualification for semi-finals of the European Championship in their first appearance at a major finals since 1958 is the only competition to Ronaldo, who is favourite to the win the award for a second time, after taking the honours in 2013-14. It he wins it again, it would see him draw level with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, golden boot winner, with six goals at Euro 2016, is also on the list. While Ronaldo’s arch-rival, Lionel Messi was one of two Barcelona players to make the list along with Luis Suarez. Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller, Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Real midfielder Toni Kroos complete the list.

The players were selected by journalists from each of UEFA’s 55 members associations who will vote for a second time on August 5 to determine the three finalists. The winner of the award will be announced in Monaco on August 25, the day the draw for the Champions League group stage will be made.