UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Winners
Since 1997–98, UEFA has awarded the most outstanding footballer in Europe each season. From its early format as the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year to its modern version as the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, the award has recognized excellence across generations. This article presents each winner in reverse chronological order, beginning with the first recipient, Ronaldo, in 1997–98.
1997–98: Ronaldo – Internazionale
Ronaldo delivered an impressive Champions League campaign with Internazionale during the 1997–98 season. His performances earned him both the Best Forward award and the overall UEFA player honor.
1998–99: David Beckham – Manchester United
David Beckham was a key figure in Manchester United’s treble-winning season. His consistent quality in midfield was recognized with the Best Midfielder award and UEFA’s top individual prize.
1999–2000: Fernando Redondo – Real Madrid
Fernando Redondo played a central role in Real Madrid’s European success. His intelligent control of the midfield stood out throughout the Champions League season.
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2000–01: Stefan Effenberg – Bayern Munich
Stefan Effenberg guided Bayern Munich to the Champions League title. His influence on the pitch helped him earn UEFA’s top individual award for the season.
2001–02: Zinedine Zidane – Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane impressed with his technical skill and composure during Real Madrid’s campaign. He was central to their European triumph and earned UEFA recognition.
2002–03: Gianluigi Buffon – Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon delivered a series of standout performances in goal for Juventus. His efforts were rewarded with both the Best Goalkeeper and UEFA player awards.
2003–04: Deco – Porto
Deco was instrumental in Porto’s Champions League-winning season. His creativity and control in midfield were essential to the club’s success.
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2004–05: Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Steven Gerrard led Liverpool to a historic comeback victory in the Champions League final. His leadership and drive throughout the campaign were recognized by UEFA.
2005–06: Ronaldinho – Barcelona
Ronaldinho played a major role in Barcelona’s European success. His influence in attack helped secure the club’s second Champions League title.
2006–07: Kaká – Milan
Kaká’s powerful runs and goal contributions were decisive for Milan during their European campaign. He was awarded both Best Forward and overall player of the year.
2007–08: Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring form helped Manchester United capture the Champions League. He earned both the Best Forward and UEFA’s top award.
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2008–09: Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Lionel Messi shined as Barcelona completed a treble-winning season. His attacking performances earned him the Best Forward and the UEFA player award.
2009–10: Diego Milito – Internazionale
Diego Milito scored key goals in every knockout round as Internazionale won the Champions League. His consistent output earned him the UEFA honor.
2010–11: Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Lionel Messi delivered another exceptional season, guiding Barcelona to the Champions League title. He was named the inaugural winner of the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
2011–12: Andrés Iniesta – Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta was praised for his technical brilliance and playmaking ability. His contributions at both club and international level were recognized by UEFA.
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2012–13: Franck Ribéry – Bayern Munich
Franck Ribéry was vital to Bayern Munich’s treble-winning campaign. His energy and attacking threat made him UEFA’s top player.
2013–14: Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the single-season Champions League goal record. His performances helped Real Madrid win their tenth European title.
2014–15: Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Lionel Messi was once again at the center of Barcelona’s success, contributing with goals and assists. His season was rewarded with another UEFA title.
2015–16: Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory and Portugal’s Euro 2016 win. His consistency earned him the UEFA award.
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2016–17: Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered in the knockout stages of the Champions League. His influence led Real Madrid to back-to-back European titles and earned him further recognition.
2017–18: Luka Modrić – Real Madrid
Luka Modrić controlled the tempo of matches during Real Madrid’s Champions League run. He became the first player outside Messi and Ronaldo to win the award in over a decade.
2018–19: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk anchored Liverpool’s defense throughout their Champions League triumph. His dominance and reliability earned him the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
2019–20: Robert Lewandowski – Bayern Munich
Robert Lewandowski scored in nearly every game as Bayern Munich won the Champions League. His clinical finishing and impact made him the obvious choice for the award.
2020–21: Jorginho – Chelsea
Jorginho played an essential role in Chelsea’s European campaign and Italy’s Euro 2020 win. His calm presence and consistency were rewarded with UEFA’s top honor.
2021–22: Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Karim Benzema led the Champions League in goals and helped Real Madrid to their 14th title. His decisive performances in knockout matches earned him the award.
2022–23: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Erling Haaland scored goals at a record pace during Manchester City’s treble-winning season. His impact was immediate and immense, earning him UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
