Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Buffon, Argentina and Barcelona striker Messi and Portugal and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo were chosen by a jury of 80 coaches and 55 journalists.

Messi and Ronaldo have won the award twice - Ronaldo winning last season.

The award will be presented at the 2017/18 Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday 24 August.

The players who make up the rest of the top 10 are:

Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)

Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)

 Paulo Dybala (Argentina, Juventus)

Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappe (France, Monaco)

Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern Munich)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Manchester United)