Journalists chose Andrés Iniesta as the best football player in Europe. © EuroFootball.com

For the second time in history, Barcelona defender Andres Iniesta triumphed in the UEFA Best European Footballer awards, beating his teammate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

The best player was chosen by 53 journalists - one from each country belonging to UEFA. Representing Lithuania in the awards was sports journalist and commentator Nerijus Kesminas.

Iniesta, who won the Euro 2012 with the Spanish national team, received 19 votes. Meanwhile, both of his Spanish rivals received 17 votes from journalists.

Last year, the award was taken home by Barcelona forward Messi.