Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo have been named on the three-man shortlist for UEFA's Best Player in Europe award for the 2012/13 season.
The attacking trio came top in a poll of journalists from each of UEFA's member national associations and the overall winner will be announced in a live vote during the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on August 29.
Last year's winner was Andres Iniesta while his Barcelona team-mate Messi lifted the inaugural award for the 2010/11 season.
Argentina star Messi, the four-time reigning FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, helped Barca win the Primera Division title last term with 46 league goals - earning him the European Golden Shoe award in the process.
France international Ribery, meanwhile, was a key part of the Bayern Munich side which became the first German club to win the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal last term.
Portugal ace Ronaldo netted 34 league goals for Real Madrid last season and finished as top-scorer in the Champions League with 12 goals.
The positions from fourth to 10th have already been fixed, with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski fourth, and Bayern team-mates Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller fifth and sixth.
Tottenham's Gareth Bale is seventh, Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern is eighth while Paris St Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie occupy ninth and 10th positions, respectively.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments