Ronaldo, Messi and Buffon on shortlist for UEFA POTY award

The first two names there aren't much of a surprise but what's Buffon's inclusion about? Can't work out if he was actually among the top three performers in Europe last season (plausible, given his achievements with Juventus), or if it's a proxy lifetime achievement award along the lines of that time everyone got behind a veteran Ryan Giggs for the PFA.

If it's the latter then the assorted coaches and journalists that make up the judging panel had better make sure he goes on to win it! Bollocks to the other two, they've had their fill.

The rest of the top ten reads like this...

4: Luka Modrić (Croatia, Real Madrid)
5: Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)
6: Paulo Dybala (Argentina, Juventus)
7: Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid)
8: Kylian Mbappé (France, Monaco)
9: Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern München)
10: Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden, Manchester United)

...and is notable for its giant Neymar-shaped hole. 10/10 being punished for following the money there, isn't he? Sure he'll cope, mind.

The winner will be announced on 24th August, straight after the draw for this season's Champions League group stage.

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