Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois, and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, are in the running for UEFA's 2021-22 men's player of the year award after topping a 15-player shortlist.
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The winner will be announced with the UEFA men's coach of the year and women's player and coach of the year at the 2022-23 Champions League group stage draw in Istanbul on August 25.
Goalkeepers rarely win individual awards such as this but Courtois was a key figure - as was Benzema - as Real won a record 14th European title last season. De Bruyne guided City to the Premier League title.
Among other nominees chosen by a vote of coaches and selected journalists, and revealed on Friday, were Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, Real's Luka Modric and Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane.
Real's Carlo Ancelotti, City's Pep Guardiola and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp are among the nominees for the male coach of the year.
None of the player nominees has previously won the UEFA award, which was first given in 2011 to Lionel Messi. Last year's winner was Jorginho after he helped Italy and Chelsea to European titles.
UEFA said voting in the women's awards is ongoing and shortlists should be announced next week.
With AP
Australian Associated Press
