Chelsea captain John Terry was named defender of the year by UEFA while Manchester United stopper Edwin van der Sar won the goalkeeper of the year. Barcelona's Lionel Messi picked up the prestigious club footballer-of-the-year award and was also named forward of the year.

Barca captain Xavi Hernandez won the midfielder of the year award while UEFA also made a special award to Paolo Maldini to commemorate his retirement after 24 years playing for AC Milan.