The inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award will be presented during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw on 25 August. The idea was born out of an initiative by UEFA President Michel Platini and has the intention of reviving the spirit of the old European Footballer of the Year award.

Created in partnership with European Sports Media (ESM), the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award recognises the best player, irrespective of his nationality, playing for a club within the territory of a UEFA member association during the previous season.

The three nominees in the running for the honour are Xavi Hernández, Lionel Messi (both FC Barcelona) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF). A jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the UEFA member associations whittled down the 2010/11 long list to this trio and the final three will feature in a deciding vote during the group stage draw in Monaco.