nominated for 2012 UEFA best player award are Ronaldo, Messi, Iniesta

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid CF) Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona) and Andres Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona) have been shortlisted by UEFA for the 2011/12 best player in Europe award.

The three Spain-based players came top of a poll of 53 journalists from UEFA's member associations. Andrea Pirlo of Juventus finished fourth, while Barcelona's Xavi came in fifth.

Messi won this award last year.