[Mhiz Rebecca]

Real Madrid stricker, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona star
Lionel Messi and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon
have been confirmed as the three nominees for the
2016/17 UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award.
In a statement on UEFA website, it was noted the
winner of the prize will be confirmed on Thursday,
August 24, when the draw is made for the Champions
League group stages.
UEFA also revealed the seven other players who make
up the list.
They are Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid), Toni
Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid), Paulo Dybala
(Argentina, Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real
Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (France, Monaco), Robert
Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern Munich) and Zlatan
Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Manchester United).
According to UEFA, "The shortlist of three players was
selected by a jury comprising the 80 coaches of the
clubs which participated in the group stage of the
2016/17 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa
League, along with 55 journalists selected by the
European Sports Media (ESM) group, representing each
of UEFA's member associations.'
The prize, formerly called the Best Player in Europe
Award, was won by Real Madrid star Ronaldo last year
and has twice been given to Barcelona forward Messi.
Ronaldo will be the big favourite for the title after
playing a great part in helping his team win the La Liga
and the Champions League title last season.