Andrés Iniesta: Winner of 2011/12 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award

UEFA.com  --  The FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder who helped Spain defend their UEFA European Championship title this summer, finished ahead of club-mate Lionel Messi, last year's inaugural winner, and Real Madrid CF's Cristiano Ronaldo in a poll of sports journalists representing each of UEFA's member national associations.

Iniesta collected his prize following the UEFA Champions League group stage draw at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

The 28-year-old was in inspired form for Spain at UEFA EURO 2012: he was named Best Player of the Tournament after starting all six games on the left of a front three and was also included in the Team of the Tournament. Iniesta also broke Emilio Butragueño's record of 50 Liga matches without defeat last term. He finally ended up on the losing side in game 56 when Real Madrid CF triumphed 1-0 at the Camp Nou in April.

How the journalists voted:

1  Andrés Iniesta (ESP) – FC Barcelona (19 votes)
2  Lionel Messi (ARG) – FC Barcelona (17 votes)
    Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) – Real Madrid CF (17 votes)

The UEFA Best Player in Europe Award was born out of an initiative by UEFA President Michel Platini and has the intention of reviving the spirit of the old European Footballer of the Year award. For the vote, players were judged by their performances during the 2011/12 campaign in all competitions, both domestic and international, and at club and national team levels.

Andrés Iniesta (photo: UEFA.com)