According to the statement, the president received a group of students from a school in northern Portugal last Tuesday at an event and took photos with them. Four days later, a student from the school was confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19.

The statement reads “Having listened to the health authorities, the President of the Republic, despite not having any viral symptoms, decided to cancel all his public activity… during the next two weeks. At the moment when all the Portuguese demonstrate high civic maturity in the face of the viral outbreak, the President of the Republic understands that he must give a reinforced example of prevention”.

Liverpool defender, Van Dijk, was shortlisted for the award after playing an influential role as they won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup. He also helped his team finish second place in the Premier League and reached the UEFA Nations League final with Holland earlier in the summer, where they were beaten by Portugal.

Lionel Messi finished top goalscorer in the Champions League and picked up the European Golden Shoe, as well as winning his 10th La Liga title with Barcelona.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, he claimed his first Serie A title with Juventus following his £100m move from Real Madrid, where he scored 28 goals in his first season in Italy. He also led Portugal to Nations League glory, where he was named top scorer at the finals.

The winner will be announced during the Champions League draw on August 29

Juventus and Portugal striker Ronaldo earned $109m (£85.6m), with Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar third with $105m (£82.5m). Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez is fourth on the list with $94m (£73.8m), while Roger Federer was in fifth position on $93.4m (£73.3m).

Serena Williams is the only female athlete on the list.