Two Champions League winners and an English champion, but no Robert Lewandowski: striker Karim Benzema, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (both Real Madrid) and midfielder Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) are the remaining three candidates for the European Footballer of the Year award .
This was announced by the continental association UEFA on Friday. Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool), Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid) and Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) could follow Thomas Tuchel as coach of the year.
Lewandowski, who switched from Bayern Munich to FC Barcelona this summer, just missed out on the podium in fourth place with 54 points.
Filip Kostic, who won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and will play for Juventus in the future, came in 12th with seven points. Last year, Tuchel’s midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea triumphed.
The winners of the awards will be announced during the Champions League group draw on August 25. The participants in the group phases of the European Cup competitions and selected journalists voted.