Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been dropped in the final shortlist released by UEFA in its top three players for the 2015/16 season.
The Real Madrid pair of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, are the final three nominees for the 2015/16 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
Ronaldo led Real Madrid to Champions League victory in Milan and also lifted the EURO 2016 trophy with Portugal.
was also a Champions League winner with the Los Merengues and was one of Wales’ star performers as they reached the semi final of EURO 2016.
Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann was the top scorer at the EURO championship held in France with six goals as he led the hosts to the final which they lost narrowly to eventual winners Portugal.
He was also instrumental in Atlético Madrid’s Champions League team who reached the finals losing to arch rivals Real Madrid on penalties.
Other positions
4 Luis Suárez (Barcelona & Uruguay) – 29 points
5 Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina) – 25
6 Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy) – 19
7 Pepe (Real Madrid & Portugal) – 9
8 Manuel Neuer (Bayern München & Germany) – 6
9 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid & Germany) – 5
10 Thomas Müller (Bayern München & Germany) – 2