JORGINHO EARNS UEFA HONOURS

Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho was named European soccer body UEFA’S men’s Player of the Year for 2020-21 on Thursday, while Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s award.

Brazilian-born Jorginho, 29, won the Champions League and European championship with club and country this year.

Chelsea’s Thomas Tuechel was voted men’s coach of the year and Barcelona’s Lluis Cortes took the trophy for women’s coach.

Spain midfielder and Barcelona captain Putellas, who beat club teammates Jenni Hermoso and Lieke Martens to the trophy, won the women’s Champions League in May.