UEFA election: Jorginho is Europe’s footballer of the year

Status: 8:22 p.m.| Reading time: 3 minutes

IIn his black polo shirt, Thomas Tuchel smiled at the camera. The German Champions League winner from Chelsea was unable to receive his next shiny silver trophy in person because of the corona pandemic. But he was “absolutely thrilled and very grateful” to be honored as the best coach on the continent on Thursday evening.

“We are very, very happy,” said the 47-year-old in a brief greeting. His key player Jorginho was named Europe’s Footballer of the Year a few minutes later. The Italian European Champion thanked everyone “who helped me on this trip” – even just by video.

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The 29-year-old prevailed against his Chelsea teammates N’Golo Kanté and Kevin De Bruyne from English champions Manchester City in the coach and journalist election of the European Football Union Uefa, succeeding Bayern’s super striker Robert Lewandowski. As the best female footballer on the continent, Alexia Putellas was honored by FC Barcelona. Most of the Uefa gala in Istanbul took place without the winners.

The key player par excellence

“I am very happy with the award,” said Jorginho. The 29-year-old has been playing in London since 2018. The native Brazilian, who has played for Italy since 2016, is also one of the top performers under Tuchel, who took over Chelsea in January. Just like in the Squadra Azzurra in the European Championship triumph.

In the semifinals of London against Spain, Jorginho converted the last attempt on penalties, Italy cheered. In the final against England, the midfield strategist failed from the point. But because the following Bukayo Saka also missed for the hosts, the Italians celebrated their glittering victory night.

Tuchel also accepted the coaching award on behalf of his team. The former Bundesliga coach had accomplished the feat of leading the Blues into the premier class final a year later after reaching the final with Paris Saint-Germain 2020. National player Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal against Manchester City. “I’m sorry that I can’t be there in person, but we’re very, very happy,” said Tuchel.

Borussia Dortmund’s star striker Erling Haaland was honored in the selection of the best players in the individual parts of the team in the premier class. Lewandowski also stood for election.

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National player Antonio Rüdiger (Chelsea) was also nominated as a defender, while Manchester City’s Rúben Dias won. For the women, goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger (Chelsea) was available, the award went to Sandra Paños from FC Barcelona.

Presidential award for medical team

The gala started all over again emotionally. The medical team that saved the life of the Danish international Christian Eriksen during the European Championship was honored with the President’s Prize. “I can only express my deepest respect for you. You deserve this award more than anyone else, ”said Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin. The medical staff in Denmark that evening also included the German intensive care doctor Jens Kleinefeld.

The Danish captain Simon Kjaer, who thanked him by video link, also received an award. “As the captain, I feel obliged to accept this award for the team,” said Kjaer. Eriksen collapsed on the lawn on June 12 in Copenhagen during the European Championship group game against Finland and had to be resuscitated. The quick action of the doctors saved Eriksen from death. Kjaer had previously reacted quickly on the lawn and recognized the seriousness of the situation.