Forwards
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal and Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed 30 goals for the fourth successive La Liga season in 2013/14, scoring 17 goals in the Champions League to help Real Madrid to the title for a tenth time. The Portugal star beat Neuer and Robben to the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in August, and received the Order of Prince Henry by Portuguese president Aníbal Cavaco Silva in January to cap off an outstanding year.
Lionel Messi – Argentina and Barcelona
While Barcelona missed out any titles last season, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was as prolific as ever, continuing to break records and receive individual recognition. The Argentinian became the Spanish giant’s record goalscorer, as well as the top El Classico scorer. Was named player of the tournament for the 2014 World Cup, helping Argentina to their first World Cup final in since 1990.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Swedan and Paris Saint-Germain
Ibrahimovic helped Paris Saint-Germain to a second successive Ligue 1 title and the Champions League quarter-finals, grabbing a superb 41 goals in the 2013/14 season, with ten coming in Europe. Won his 100th cap for Sweden in September after becoming the first Sweden player to net 50 goals.