UEFA has unveiled the top three contenders for the prestigious 2022/23 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award. 

UEFA will announce the winner at the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw ceremony on August 31 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Manchester City attacker Erling Braut Haaland is among the nominees after scoring the goals to bring his side a treble of trophies last season.

Haaland’s striking prowess was on show throughout the season. He netted 52 times across all competitions. 

However, City’s sublime performance across the season was not a one-man show. Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne bagged 31 assists and ten goals to help City to glory.

Argentine magician Lionel Messi, who led his national team to 2022 FIFA World Cup glory, clinching the Golden Ball award, stands as a formidable challenger. 

Despite an illustrious career already laden with accolades, Messi will not mind adding another ornament to his already incredible trophy cabinet.

The journey to beat the number from ten to three involved meticulous evaluation by a UEFA technical study group, scrutinising players’ accomplishments during the 2022/23 season for their clubs and national teams. 

A jury comprising coaches from clubs competing in the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, alongside national team coaches from UEFA’s member nations, cast their votes. 

Notably, a select panel of journalists chosen by the European Sports Media (ESM) also contributed their differing opinions to the mix.

The voting process had coaches and journalists choose their top three picks from the shortlist, distributing five, three and one point to their selections, respectively. 

Coaches generally abstain from voting for players of their own teams.

As summer’s end ushers in anticipation for another exhilarating football season, the spotlight shifts to the 2023/24 Champions League group stage draw ceremony.

Other nominees for the award include:

• Ilkay Gundogan
• Rodri 
• Kylian Mbappe 
• Luka Modric
• Marcelo Brozovic
• Declan Rice
• Alexis Mac Allister
• Jesus Navas