Ribery beats Messi and Ronaldo to UEFA prize

The Frenchman was rewarded for an exceptional campaign in which he played a leading role as Bayern claimed a treble of Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

He was elected by a panel of journalists, who voted live at the Champions League draw in Monte Carlo.

Ribery got the nod ahead of four-times Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who paid the price for Barcelona's 7-0 Champions League semi-final pummelling at Bayern's hands.

Perhaps in a sign that he was unlikely to triumph, Real Madrid star Ronaldo chose not to attend the ceremony.