Chelsea star Jorginho wins UEFA Men's Player of the Year award

Chelsea star Jorginho has been named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.

The midfielder, 29, was rewarded for reaching the FA Cup final and winning the Champions League with the Blues last season before helping Italy to success at Euro 2020. 

He pipped club team-mate N'Golo Kante and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne to the prize, which was announced during the Champions League group stage draw in Istanbul.

Jorginho started every game of the Azzurri’s run to glory, culminating in a penalty shootout win over England in the final, while only missing out once during Chelsea’s European campaign. 

After being unveiled as the winner, Jorginho said: "I would like to say thank you to all the people who made their contribution to make this happen.

"A big thanks for all the people who helped me on this journey. And to the people who didn’t believe in me, they helped motivate me even more. 

"I’m very happy, a big hug to everyone."

The Premier League trio beat the likes of last year’s winner Robert Lewandowski, as well as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in being put forward as the top three nominees.

Thomas Tuchel, Jorginho's boss at Chelsea, also picked up the Men's Coach of the Year award.

Other UEFA award winners

Women’s Player of the Year 

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Women’s Coach of the Year

Lluis Cortes (Barcelona)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Season

Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Season

Sandra Panos (Barcelona) 

Men’s Defender of the Season

Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Women's Defender of the Season

Irene Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain) 

Men’s Midfielder of the Season

N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Women's Midfielder of the Season

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Men's Forward of the Season

Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)

Women's Forward of the Season

Jennifer Hermoso (Barcelona)