UEFA has named Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann as its final three nominees for the 2015-16 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
European football’s governing body whittled a shortlist of 10 down to Real Madrid duo Bale and Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid star Griezmann.
Ronaldo captained Portugal to glory at Euro 2016, when he was taken off injured during the final, and scored the winning shootout penalty for Real Madrid as they won the Champions League for an 11th time.
His Bernabeu colleague Bale also shone in France, where his three goals helped unfancied Wales to reach the last four, and struck in the Champions League shootout.
France international Griezmann suffered at the hands of Bale and Ronaldo as his Atletico side were beaten in the Champions League final, missing a penalty in normal time, but was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France reached the final.
Journalists from each of UEFA’s 55 member associations provided an initial list of their five best players, with the 10 gaining most points advancing to a second vote to determine the final three.
The winner of the award — which has previously gone to Lionel Messi (twice), Andres Iniesta, Franck Ribery and Ronaldo – will be voted for at the Champions League group stage draw on Aug. 25.
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