The UEFA Awards recognize the best players from UEFA Champions League competition each year with several awards across the men’s and women’s game. The awards ceremonies take place each August in Monaco at the same time as the UCL group stage draw. Last year’s men’s player of the year award went to Karim Benzema while Alexia Putellas of reigning European champions Barcelona is the women’s UCL player of the year. This year, new contenders are in place to defend their award.
How to watch
- Date: Thursday, August 31 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Grimaldi Forum, Monaco
- TV: Don’t miss coverage of the Champions League draw and awards on CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+.
The nominees
Men’s player: This year’s nominees for the UEFA Men’s Player are Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, and Lionel Messi. Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, and Kylian Mbappe just missed out on the top three. Other nominees include Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Declan Rice, Alexis Mac Allister, and Jesus Navas.
Women’s player: Aitana Bonmati, the defending titleholder, is in contention for the women’s player award. Other nominees include Olga Carmona, Sam Kerr, Mary Earps, Salma Paralluelo, and Alexandra Popp.
Men’s coach: Pep Guardiola is the frontrunner for the men’s coach category after City’s superb showing last season. Simone Inzaghi and Luciano Spalletti are also in contention.
Women’s coach: The women’s coach award is dominated by Spanish coaches, with Jorge Vilda and Jonatan Giraldez in contention. Sarina Wiegman, Peter Gerhardsson, and Emma Hayes are also considered.
Predictions
Men’s player: Kevin de Bruyne is predicted to win the men’s player award, considering his bigger role in the semifinal success over Real Madrid.
Women’s player: Aitana Bonmati is expected to defend her title, given her contribution towards Barcelona’s Women’s Champions League success.
Men’s coach: Pep Guardiola is heavily favored to win the men’s coach award, given City’s multiple trophy wins last season.
Women’s coach: Jonatan Giraldez is predicted to win the women’s coach award after leading Barcelona to a second Champions League title in three years.
