Organized since 2008, this trophy was won by Kaká in 2008, Luis Fabiano in 2009 and Maicon last year.
Voting will be open to the public from next Thursday 1st December, right through to the 30th December, with the participation of eleven former-stars of Brazilian football and also, eleven European football journalists in the remaining two voting categories.
Throughout December, Sambafoot will host exclusive content and interviews with those on the panel, as we build to the revelation of the winner on December 31st.
The list of 30 nominees for the Samba Gold Trophy
Alex – Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Bruno César – Benfica (Portugal)
Cleiton Xavier – Metalist Kharkiv (Ukraine)
Daniel Alves – FC Barcelona (Spain)
David Luiz – Chelsea (England)
Diego Alves – Valencia (Spain)
Fabio – Manchester United (England)
Fernandinho – Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Hernanes – Lazio (Italy)
Hulk – FC Porto (Portugal)
Julio Baptista – Malaga (Spain)
Julio César – Inter Milan (Italy)
Kléber – FC Porto (Portugal)
Lucas Leiva – Liverpool (England)
Lucio – Inter Milan (Italy)
Luis Gustavo – Bayern Munich (Germany)
Luisão – Benfica (Portugal)
Maicon – Inter Milan (Italy)
Marcelo – Real Madrid (Spain)
Michel Bastos – Lyon
Nenê – Paris SG (France)
Nilmar – Villareal (Spain)
Pato – Milan (Italy)
Rafinha – Bayern Munich (Germany)
Ramires – Chelsea (England)
Robinho – Milan (Italy)
Sandro – Tottenham (England)
Thiago Silva – Milan (Italy)
Vagner Love – CSKA Moscow (Russia)
Willian – Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
