As a surprise to NO ONE, Cris has made the 3-player shortlist for the 2013/14 UEFA Best Player in Europe award. This is Cris’ fourth successive appearance on this list since the award was implemented for the 2010-11 season. James and Ángel made the top ten as well, finishing 7 and 9 in the voting respectively.
Joining Cris on the shortlist is Manuel Neuer (GER, FC Bayern München), who makes history as the first goalkeeper to make the shortlist, and Arjen Robben (NED, FC Bayern München).
The rest of the top ten is fixed as follows:
4. Thomas Müller (GER, FC Bayern München)
5. Philipp Lahm (GER, FC Bayern München)
5. Lionel Messi (ARG, FC Barcelona)
7. James Rodríguez (COL, AS Monaco FC/Real Madrid CF)
8. Luis Suárez (URU, Liverpool FC/FC Barcelona)
9. Ángel Di María (ARG, Real Madrid CF)
10. Diego Costa (ESP, Club Atlético de Madrid/Chelsea FC)
This particular award does slightly favour designated playmakers (Messi, Iniesta, and Ribery) so Robben may have the advantage here. Then again, the trophies, new records, and other awards Cris picked up last season should put him firmly ahead of the group. Unless the voters are dazzled by the World Cup won by Neuer and his recent German Footballer of the Year honours, then he could come out on top.
Final voting will take place August 28 in Monaco during the Champions League group stage draw.
-hopechaser
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
I love Cris but I wouldn’t mind if a goalkeeper won this award.
I wouldn’t mind either, but could we wait a year so it’s not Neuer? 😉