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Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Rui Patricio shortlisted for Portugal award

Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, along with Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio, have been nominated for the 2016 Portuguese Player of the Year award.

All played key roles as Portugal defied expectations to win Euro 2016, with captain Ronaldo and defender Pepe also lifting the Champions League and Club World Cup trophies with Real.

Rui Patricio also helped Sporting win the Portuguese Super Cup.

A Madrid statement said the winner of the accolade, which is called Quinas de Oro, would be decided in a vote among Portuguese coaches, players and supporters that closes on March 13.

"The Real Madrid stars will battle it out to be named best Portuguese footballer of 2016," the statement added.

"It is a prize presented by the Portuguese Football Federation in collaboration with the National Football Association and the Players Union."

Portugal legend Luis Figo, the president of the Quinas de Ouro organising committee, told the Portuguese FA website it was important that the achievements of the national team and its players were recognised.

"These prizes recognise the value of the outstanding work done during the last year," he said. "It is always worthwhile to promote what has been done so that we can continue to improve."