Luka Modric has been crowned UEFA Player of the Year for 2017-18 after playing a major role in Real Madrid’s third successive Champions League success.
Modric featured 11 times as Madrid continued their dominance of the Champions League, scoring once and adding a single assist.
But it was his conviction in possession and ability to turn defence into attack with just one pass that made him so vital to Los Blancos’ success.
His former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo – who scored 15 goals in last season’s competition – and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool were considered leading candidates due to their respective displays in attack.
But Modric, who also claimed the Golden Ball at the World Cup, won the most votes from coaches and journalists, beating Ronaldo and Salah.
“I would like to dedicate this to my coaches and my team-mates, ” said Modric.
“They are there in the good moments and also the not so good moments so this is for them.”
Champions League winners Madrid dominated the individual awards, winning every single one for the men’s game.
Keylor Navas, Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo won the respective accolades for best goalkeeper, defender and forward, while Modric took the prize for most impressive midfielder.
Pernille Harder of Wolfsburg and Denmark was named 2017-18 UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, beating Ada Hegerberg and Amandine Henry in the voting.