On Thursday, following a fan’s vote on UEFA.com, European football’s governing body announced their team of 2016.
Like many of the sides we have seen in recent weeks rounding up the calendar year, there are few surprises.
When it comes to the very best XI, there will always be quibbles and doubts but some players are guaranteed.
For example Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi are shoo-ins for these sides. Whilst it feels like centre backs Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique also feature heavily in all best of teams for 2016.
The most popular player among European fans is Sergio Ramos
Along with the UEFA team of the year, also published was the voting pattern.
And, it was revealed which player was picked more often than any other: Sergio Ramos.
Partly this must be down to the fact that voting took place in December, when Sergio Ramos scored two massive goals for Real Madrid. The equaliser at Barcelona and winner versus Deportivo.
Nevertheless, it shows what an incredible 2016 Ramos enjoyed for him to be the most picked player out of the whole side. From a selection of over 7 million people who voted.
It is also heartwarming to see that over 50% of sides picked Andres Iniesta and Luka Modric.
The UEFA team of 2016