Jubilation as Erling Haaland, 2 Chelsea stars clinch Champions League prestigious awards

• After keeping nine clean sheets in 12 appearances, Chelsea star Edouard Mendy has been named Champions League goalkeeper of the year
• N'golo Kante clinch the midfielder of the year while Man City's Ruben Diaz emerged the best defender in the last 12 months
• Dortmund goal poacher Erling Haaland outshined everyone in his category to win the prestigious prize

Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy has been named UEFA's best goalkeeper of the year after helping Chelsea win their second-ever Champions League title in history.

The 29-year-old Senegal shot-stopper joined the Blues from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes last September and he made nine clean sheets in 12 appearances en route to victory.

His contributions played a huge role in helping Thomas Tuchel claim the European title for the first time in his managerial career.

The Stamford Bridge dwellers edged Manchester City out by a lone goal in the final of the tournament on May 29.

Ruben Dias was voted the best defender of the 2020-21 season after becoming an instant success for the Etihad Stadium outfit.

The Portuguese centre-back won the player of the season after his contributions towards Man City emerging Premier League champions.

Meet UEFA players awarded for outstanding

• Goalkeeper of the season - Edouard Mendy
• Defender of the season - Ruben Dias

• Midfielder of the season - N'golo Kante
• Striker of the season - Erling Haaland

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland clinched the UEFA Champions League forward of the season.

The 21-year-old Norwegian finished atop of the scorer's chart with 10 goals - two better than Kylian Mbappe's tally at the end of the competition.

Complete 2021-22 Champions League draws

Legit.ng earlier reported that Chelsea will begin their quest to retain the Champions League title with a mouthwatering clash against Juventus in Group H, Guardian reports.

The Blues will also take on Zenith St. Petersburg as well as Malmo, the most successful football team in Sweden in the preliminary stages.

UEFA organised the Champions League draws on Thursday evening, August 26, and there are exciting groups already.