31 Aug 2012

Iniesta named European footballer fo the year

6:06 am on 31 August 2012

Andres Iniesta of Barcelona has been named European Footballer of the year.

The midfielder beat off a strong challenge from club mate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

Iniesta won the live poll, conducted by journalists from each of UEFA's 53 member countries during the Champions League draw ceremony, to take the award that Messi won in its inaugural season last year.

The midfielder was also named as the Player of the Tournament following Spain's victory in Euro 2012.