European Footballer of the Year: A Comprehensive Overview
When it comes to European football, the title of "European Footballer of the Year" is one that is highly coveted by players and clubs alike. This prestigious award, which has been in existence since 1956, recognizes the best male football player in Europe each year. In this article, we will delve into the history, criteria, and notable winners of this esteemed accolade.
History of the Award
The European Footballer of the Year award was first introduced by the European Sports Press Association (AIPS) in 1956. The first winner of the award was the legendary Argentine player Alfredo Di Stefano, who played for Real Madrid at the time. Since then, the award has been a symbol of excellence in European football, with some of the greatest players in history having been honored with this title.
Criteria for Selection
The selection process for the European Footballer of the Year is a rigorous one. The award is based on the votes of journalists from across Europe, who are asked to submit their top three players of the year. The criteria for selection include the player's performance throughout the entire season, their impact on their team, and their overall contribution to European football.
Here is a table outlining the criteria used for selecting the European Footballer of the Year:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Performance | Consistent and outstanding performance throughout the entire season. |
| Impact on Team | Significant contribution to their team's success, including goals, assists, and leadership. |
| Overall Contribution | Exemplary behavior on and off the pitch, as well as their role in promoting European football. |
Notable Winners
Over the years, the European Footballer of the Year award has been won by some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Below is a list of some of the most notable winners:
- Alfredo Di Stefano (1956, 1957, 1959) - The Argentine legend won the award three times during his illustrious career.
- Francisco Gento (1960, 1961, 1962) - The Spanish forward was another three-time winner of the award.
- Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986) - The French midfielder won the award four times, making him one of the most decorated players in the history of the award.
- Lothar Matthäus (1989, 1990, 1991) - The German midfielder won the award three times, showcasing his exceptional talent.
- Zinedine Zidane (1998, 2000, 2003) - The French legend won the award three times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
- Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019) - The Argentine forward has won the award six times, making him the most decorated player in the history of the award.
Recent Winners
In recent years, the European Footballer of the Year award has been won by some of the brightest talents in the sport. Below is a list of the recent winners:
- 2018: Luka Modrić - The Croatian midfielder won the award for his exceptional performances with Real Madrid and Croatia.
- 2019: Lionel Messi - The Argentine forward won the award for the sixth time, continuing his reign as one of the greatest players of all time.
- 2020: Robert Lewandowski - The Polish striker won the award for his incredible goalscoring ability with Borussia Dortmund and Poland.
- 2021: Kevin De Bruyne - The Belgian midfielder won the award for his outstanding performances with Manchester City and Belgium.
- 2022: Karim Benz
