NYON, Switzerland -- Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery will compete to be named UEFA Best Player in Europe for last season.
UEFA published the three candidates' names Tuesday after announcing an initial 10-player list of contenders last month, selected by journalists from UEFA member countries.
Ribery was one of four players from Champions League winner Bayern Munich trying to challenge the established top two names in European football.
The award is presented on Aug. 29 at the Champions League group-stage draw in Monaco following a live vote by the journalists' panel.
Messi won the inaugural award two seasons ago and his Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta won last year.
