The UEFA Men’s Player of the Year shortlist for the 2022-23 season has been unveiled, but to the surprise of many, Vinicius Jr. did not make the cut.
The list was compiled by the UEFA technical study group, taking into account the players’ performances for both club and country throughout the season.
The three nominees for the prestigious award are Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina, had a phenomenal season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the tournament.
Haaland, the top scorer in the Premier League, netted 36 goals and contributed eight assists for Manchester City.
De Bruyne played a pivotal role in City’s treble-winning campaign, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists.
Although Vinicius Jr. had an outstanding season with Real Madrid, making 33 appearances, scoring 10 goals, and providing 10 assists in LaLiga, he unfortunately did not make the top three.
The UEFA shortlist showcases the best players in Europe for the 2022-23 season, and Vinicius Jr. was not included.
“The top three nominees were then voted for by a jury composed of the coaches of the clubs which played in the group stages of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League, together with the coaches of the men’s senior national teams of UEFA’s member associations.
A group of journalists selected by the European Sports Media (ESM) were also part of the jury.
“Coaches and journalists were asked to select their top three players from the shortlist by allocating them five points, three points and one point respectively.
“The final result was based on the total number of votes cast by the coaches and journalists. The coaches were not allowed to vote for players from their own team.”
The winner of the award will be revealed at the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw event, which will be held on Thursday, August 31, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
