UEFA has published its three-man shortlist for the Best Player in Europe award, with Real Madrid duo Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in the running alongside Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
Ronaldo helped Los Blancos to their 11th Champions League win before playing a pivotal role in guiding Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016.
Bale, who also won a Champions League medal with Real at Milan's San Siro Stadium in May, inspired Wales to reach the semi-finals at the tournament in France.
France striker Griezmann was on the losing side in both the Champions League and Euro 2016 finals, although he was crowned top scorer at the Euros with six goals and was named player of the tournament.
Lionel Messi, who won the award last year, finished fifth in the voting, one place below Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, who missed out on the top three despite scoring 59 goals in 53 appearances for the Spanish side.
The three finalists for the award were chosen by journalists from UEFA'S 55 member nations, and the winner will be announced on August 25, the day of the draw for the Champions League group stage.
Giuseppe Labellarte
