NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Cristiano Ronaldo will compete for the inaugural Best Player in Europe award.
UEFA says the winner will be decided by a media panel on Aug. 25 at the Champions League group-stage draw in Monaco.
Messi scored 53 goals as he and Xavi led Barcelona to the Champions League and Spanish titles last season.
Ronaldo scored a league-record 40 goals for runner-up Real Madrid, which lost to Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals.