Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta Named UEFA's Best Player

Spain’s Andres Iniesta (28) was named UEFA's best player in Europe at an awards ceremony in Monaco on August 30, 2012. The Barcelona midfielder, who inspired Spain to retain their crown at Euro 2012, was chosen ahead of team-mate Lionel Messi and Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Without my team-mates at the Spanish national team and Barcelona I wouldn't have won this individual trophy," Iniesta said. Iniesta received 19 votes, while Messi and Ronaldo both got 17 votes.

Messi was named as the best player in Europe in last year's edition of the award.