The award honours German football players and coaches for their extraordinary commitment while working abroad, and by combining the areas of sport and culture it is designed to promote a positive image of Germany in foreign countries.

The initiative has the support of global social projects at the centre of its focus and all nominees and award winners will receive prize money to support social projects worldwide.

Involvement in culture and social structures around football, reputation in the country of work and sporting success are just some of the criteria for the nomination.

The award was first introduced in 2013 and Andre Schurrle, while playing for Chelsea, won the prize in 2014.

The winner of the player’s award is determined by public voting which is open until 28 April. You can vote for Rudiger to win here.