Four double winners and a member of the FC Bayern women's team are in the running for the prestigious title of European Footballer of the Year. As announced by UEFA on Thursday evening Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben, Thomas Müller – and Lena Lotzen in the women's section – are in the vote. In addition to the FCB quartet the men's roster includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria, Lionel Messi, Diego Costa, James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez on a ten-man shortlist.
As in previous years, a jury composed of journalists covering all the UEFA member associations voted for the top ten according to a points system. UEFA will announce the three candidates for the final vote on 14 August. The winner will be announced at the Champions League draw in Monaco on 28 August. Franck Ribéry, who was voted the Best Player in Europe last season, misses out this time.
Lena Lotzen nominated
The nomination for Lena Lotzen represents a huge honour for the 20-year-old Germany international, who has made it onto the UEFA shortlist for the women's game. The published list contains eleven players. Champions League winners VfL Wolfsburg have the most nominations with five squad members on the shortlist, followed by Swedish Champions League finalists Tyresö FF with four.
The inclusion of Lotzen is a notable achievement given the number of Champions League players. The striker was not in European action for the FCB Women last season. Lotzen has been at FC Bayern since the summer of 2010 and has grown into one of the most influential players in the squad. Lena was also a member of the Germany team that won the European Championships last year.
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