Thanks to his successes with the Italian National Team and Chelsea, Jorginho has won the 2020/21 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award. The midfielder, who became a European Champion with both club and country this year, finished ahead of Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City) and N'Golo Kantè (France, Chelsea).

Jorginho, who was named as the winner during the 2021/22 Champions League draw in Istanbul, had the following to say: “I’m delighted to win this award, I’d like to thank all those who made this possible. A big thank you to those who helped me on this journey and also to those who didn’t believe in me: this pushed me to give even more.”

As regards the Champions League, the best goalkeeper from last season was Edouard Mendy (Chelsea), the best defender Ruben Dias (Manchester City), the best midfielder N’Golo Kantè (Chelsea) and the best attacker Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund).

Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas, who plays for Barcelona, picked up the prize of Women’s Player of the Year, with her teammates winning all of the other awards relating to the 2020/21 Women’s Champions League: Sandra Panos was voted as the best goalkeeper, Irene Paredes the best defender (although she was at PSG last season) and Jennifer Hermoso the best striker. As for the coaches, Blaugrana tactician Lluis Cortes also came out on top.

A special prize was awarded to those who saved the life of Christian Eriksen. Simon Kjaer proved to be a true captain at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on 12 June. The AC Milan defender’s determination and swift response were decisive factors in allowing the medical staff to intervene to help the Danish midfielder during Denmark vs. Finland at the start of the European Championship.

“This year, the President’s Award transcends football," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. "It serves as an important and eternal reminder of just how precious life is and puts everything in our lives into the clearest perspective. I have the utmost admiration for the doctors and medical staff for their outstanding reaction and calmness."