European champion Inter Milan has five players named on a 12-man shortlist to be UEFA's Club Footballer of the Year.
Nominations announced Monday from Inter include Netherlands playmaker Wesley Sneijder and Argentina striker Diego Milito, who scored both goals in the 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. The German champions are represented by Netherlands winger Arjen Robben.
Barcelona - which was eliminated by Inter in the semifinals - has four contenders, including Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who won the award last year.
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is included after helping Lyon reach the semifinals. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the only candidate from England after no Premier League club advanced beyond the quarterfinals.
Nominations were chosen by 16 coaches whose teams reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League last season.
Their votes have also created a three-player shortlist for each of four positional categories.
Results are to be announced on Aug. 26 in Monaco, when the draw for this season's group stage is made.
Nominees:
Goalkeeper of the Year: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defender of the Year: Lucio (Inter Milan), Maicon (Inter Milan), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Midfielder of the Year: Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)
Forward of the Year: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
