Jorginho, Kevin De Bruyne and N'Golo Kante shortlisted for UEFA Men's Player of the Year award

Chelsea midfielders Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne have all been shortlisted for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award.

It's the first time in the prize's 11-year history that three midfielders make up the shortlist, with the winner to be announced at the Champions League draw on August 26th.

Jorginho is seen by many as the favourite for the award after an outstanding year, which saw him play a standout role as Chelsea won the Champions League and Italy lifted the European Championship, becoming only the tenth player in history to achieve that feat in the same year.

Meanwhile Kante was a mainstay in the Chelsea team throughout their Champions league triumph and at Euro 2020 as France made it to the round of 16.

The French midfielder was named player of the match in both legs of Chelsea's semi-final win against Real Madrid and again in the final against City.

De Bruyne has been at the top of his game for several years now, and despite several injury setbacks last term, still helped City lift the Premier League title for the third time in four seasons.

De Bruyne also played at Euro 2020 for Belgium, as they made it to the quarter finals before losing to eventual winners Italy.

The shortlist was comprised by the 24 coaches of teams at this summer's Euro 2020, the 80 coaches of teams in last season's Champions League and Europa League group stages and 55 journalists selected by the European Sports Media group, one from each of UEFA's member associations.

Each panel member was allowed three votes, with first receiving five points, the second three and third one. Coaches were not allowed to vote for players from their own team.

New PSG signing Lionel Messi finished fourth, while Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski ended in fifth. Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raheem Sterling were also name in the top ten.