Monte Carlo: Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery won the UEFA Best Player in Europe award for 2012/13 ahead of the usual contenders Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It was recognition for his part in Bayern`s unprecedented Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble.
The Frenchman was the first player from a club other than Barcelona or Real Madrid to make the final three since the award was established by European soccer`s governing body in 2011.
Argentina`s Messi won the inaugural award followed by Spaniard Andres Iniesta, his Barcelona team mate, last year.
Messi and Real Madrid`s Portugal forward Ronaldo had also both made the last three in each of the two previous years.
Reuters
First Published: Friday, August 30, 2013, 08:28
