Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are the names in the frame for the prize, but Sneijder was considered to be a frontrunner following Inter Milan’s treble last season and Holland’s run to the World Cup final, in which the midfielder was instrumental.
He said to der Telegraaf: “I give my congratulations to Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, even if I’m sorry. But there is nothing I can do. Everyone wants to me to say something, but there is nothing I could say.”