Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won the prestigious 2018-19 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, beating out perennial favorites Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The announcement was made during the Champions League group stage draw ceremony.
Liverpool secured three individual awards in total:
- Men’s Player of the Year & Defender of the Season: Virgil van Dijk (who beat teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold and Matthijs de Ligt).
- Goalkeeper of the Season: Alisson Becker (who kept six clean sheets in the Champions League, including eight saves in the final against Tottenham).
Other Positional Award Winners:
- Forward of the Season: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), who scored 12 goals in 10 Champions League appearances.
- Midfielder of the Season: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax/Barcelona), recognized for his key role in Ajax’s semi-final run, which earned him a £65 million move to Barcelona.
Other Honors:
- President’s Award: Given to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona for his distinguished career and charity work.
- #EqualGame Award (Joint Winners):
- Scott Cunliffe (Burnley fan) for running to every Burnley away match to raise over £54,000 for charity.
- Borussia Dortmund for their significant work in fighting far-right extremism, racism, and supporting refugee rights among their fanbase.
