How the nominees were shortlisted

A jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the UEFA member associations whittled down the 2011/12 long list to Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The final three will feature in a deciding vote in Monaco on Thursday 30 August during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw.

You can find out how the votes were counted here the officila UEFA site.