This archive report was first published on 19 August 2021.
On August 19, 2021, UEFA announced its shortlist for the 2020-21 male player of the year award, with Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne and Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Jorginho topping the list.
De Bruyne, Kante, and Jorginho were all part of the Euro 2020 teams, with De Bruyne representing Belgium, Kante playing for France, and Jorginho with the Italian team that won the tournament.
This year's shortlist marks the first time in the 11-year history of the award that only midfielders have been included.
The UEFA award is voted on by coaches of the 24 national teams that participated in Euro 2020, as well as 80 coaches of clubs that played in the group stages of UEFA's competitions and journalists from each of UEFA's 55 member associations.
The winner will be announced on August 26, 2021, along with the women's player of the year and Champions League positional award winners, at the Champions League group stage draw in Istanbul.
