NYON, Switzerland: Champions League winner Bayern Munich dominated the shortlists announced Wednesday for UEFAs 2019-20 season awards in European soccer.
Bayern forward Robert Lewandowksi, who scored a career-best 55 goals for his club last season, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were nominated for mens player of the year in Europe after a dominant season with the treble-winning German team.
The third nominee was Kevin de Bruyne, who won the players’ vote in England and starred as Manchester City reached the Champions League quarterfinals and finished second in the Premier League to Liverpool.
Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who only took charge in November, heads an all-German list of mens coach nominations. It includes Liverpools Jrgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann of Leipzig.
The shortlists were voted on by coaches of the 80 teams that played in the Champions League and Europa League group stages, and media from each of UEFAs 55 member countries.
Womens Champions League winner Lyon provided Wendie Renard and Lucy Bronze for the best player shortlist and Jean-Luc Vasseur for the coachs award in womens soccer.
Champions League beaten finalist Wolfsburg had Pernille Harder on the player shortlist and Stephan Lerch among the coach nominees.
All three candidates for the womens coaching award are men, with Llus Cortes of Barcelona completing the list.
The voting jury was made up of the coaches of Champions League and national teams, plus specialist media in womens soccer.
The awards will be announced and presented at the mens Champions League groups draw on Oct. 1 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
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