Manchester City duo Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Argentina captain Lionel Messi have been named by UEFA as the three finalists for the 2022/23 Player of the Year award.
The announcement was made on Thursday through an official statement from the European football governing body with other great players narrowly missing out on the shortlist.
Haaland’s incredible season with Manchester City last season got him on the list despite his inability to play at the World Cup with his country Norway.
The 23-year-old center-forward scored 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens which helped the team win the Treble while providing nine assists.
His teammate Kevin De Bruyne was also in sensational form last season bagging 31 assists in all competitions while scoring 10 goals in 49 matches.
The pair will, however, face competition from Argentina captain Lionel Messi who led his team to their third World Cup trophy in 2022 ending a 36-year wait for the South American giants.
The winner of the ultimate prize will be announced at the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 31 August at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.