129:Jorginho wins UEFA men's player of the year award for 2020-21 season; Alexia Putellas named as best in women'
UEFA has announced the winners of best players of 2020-21 season during a ceremony held in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday. Amid the group stage draw announcement for the next season of Champions League, the governing body of football in Europe also revealed the award winners across various categories.
As expected, players from Chelsea and FC Barcelona dominated the ceremony in men's and women's categories respectively. Interestingly, there were no awards for the iconic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, reflecting that the new era in world of football has begun.
UEFA Men's Player of the Year - Jorginho
In the men's category, Jorginho took home the award for best player which was obvious considering his success with both club (Chelsea) and country (Italy) in last 12 months. The midfielder was chosen by the panel ahead of N'Golo Kante and Kevin de Bruyne for the award.
UEFA Women's Player of the Year - Putellas
In the women's category, Alexia Putellas was the deserving winner without a doubt considering her spectacular season with FC Barcelona and Spain in 2020-21. The 27-year-old got the nod ahead of her Barcelona teammates Jenni Hermoso and Lieke Martens.
Men's Coach of the Year - Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel took home the award for best men's coach of the year considering his remarkable impact at the Blues where he led them to European glory only after four months since his arrival. The German manager defeated Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Italy's Roberto Mancini to get the award.
Women's Coach of the Year - Lluis Cortes
FC Barcelona's Lluis Cortes was the undisputable winner for best women's coach of the year considering the club's fantastic campaign in Champions League last season. The other nominees for the award were Peter Gerhardsson (Sweden) and Emma Hayes (Chelsea).
UCL awards for 2020-21 season
The awards for best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forwards for last season of UEFA Champions League were also announced in the ceremony. The list of winners are as follows:
Best Goalkeepers
Men's: Edouard Mendy - Chelsea
Women's: Sandra Panos - Barcelona
Best Defenders
Men's: Ruben Dias - Man City
Women's: Irene Paredes - PSG
Best Midfielders
Men's: N'Golo Kante - Chelsea
Women's: Alexia Putellas - Barcelona
Best Attackers
Men's: Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund
Women's: Jennifer Hermose - Barcelona
In a notable mention, Denmark's captain Simon Kjaer and the medical team which saved Christian Eriksen's life during the European Championship received the 2021 UEFA President's Award.