Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has been named Uefa Men’s Player of the Year after helping the Reds win their sixth Champions League title.
The Dutchman was man of the match in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in Madrid in June, and also captained the Netherlands to the final of the inaugural Uefa Nations League.
The 28-year-old was shortlisted for the award, alongside Barcelona star Lionel Messi, whose Barcelona side were beaten by Liverpool in a remarkable semi-final comeback, and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo. As well as winning Serie A in his first season in Italy, Ronaldo led Portugal to Nations League glory.
Van Dijk was crowned at an awards ceremony in Monaco, which also included the draw for this season’s Champions League group stage. Liverpool were handed a reasonable draw, placed in Group E alongside Napoli, RB Salzburg and Genk.
England star Lucy Bronze was named Uefa Women's Player of the Year, having won the Champions League with French side Lyon before helping the Lionesses reach a second successive World Cup semi-final.
Van Dijk was also named Champions League Defender of the Year, with teammate Alisson Becker winning the goalkeeper’s award. Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong won the midfield prize for his performances in Ajax’s run to the semi-finals, with Messi named the best forward.
