Real Madrid's Luka Modric has been crowned European Footballer of the Year award for the 2017-2018 season by the European Union (UEFA).
Modric received the award at the ceremony held by UEFA on Thursday in the Principality of Monaco, which took place on the sidelines of the draw for the group stage of the Champions League.
Modric beat Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Egyptian Mohamed Salah.
Modric played an important role in winning the Champions League last season for the third time in a row, and contributed to the arrival of the team to the final against France in the World Cup Russia lost by the Croatian team 4-2.
"I thank everyone who voted for me, as well as my colleagues and coaches who helped me win the award," said Modrich.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid goalkeeper Kellor Navas was named the best goalkeeper in Europe. Navas played an important role in winning the Champions League last season for the third time in a row.
Navas beat Buffon and Allison, the former Liverpool keeper.
"It is a great honor to win this award," said Navas. "I am grateful to all my colleagues who helped me to win this award."
Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos has been crowned the best defender in Europe.
Ramos beat his teammates Brazilian King Marcelo and Frenchman Rafael Faran.
"We have set a bleak history in recent years, and we have not just done so, but we will continue to work," Ramos said during the ceremony.
While Real Madrid's Luka Modric was crowned the best player in Europe.
Former Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus were crowned the best striker in Europe, but missed the ceremony.
Ronaldo outperformed Argentine rivals Lionel Messi and Egyptian Mohamed Salah for Barcelona and Liverpool respectively, who were on the final list of candidates for the award.
Ronaldo has been the top scorer in the last edition with 15 goals.