Messi, Ronaldo dethroned by Griezmann as best player in La Liga

Antoine Griezmann, Athletico Madrid striker, has won the Spanish league best player award ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Athletico Madrid, beaten by Real Madrid in the final of the 2015/2016 Champions League, were outstanding for the most part of last season.

Diego Simeone, Athletico gaffer, won the best La Liga coach award during a ceremony on Monday night.

“I’m lucky because since I’ve arrived I’ve encountered a group of men who are more than just football players,” Simeone told the audience.

Jan Oblak, Athletico shot stopper, became the second Athletico keeper to win the award after Thibaut Courtois did in the 2012/13 season.

Diego Godin, also of Athletico Madrid, won the best defender award.

Barcelona forward, Messi, won the best striker award while teammate Luis Suarez won the La Liga World Player award.

Real Madrid duo, Luka Modric and Marco Asensio, won the best midfielder and best newcomer award.

Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had won the best player prize before French striker Griezmann held off the competition for the 2015/16 edition.

Godin and Griezmann became the first Atletico outfield players to win La Liga end of year awards since the ceremony’s inception in the 2008/09 season.