Uruguay striker Diego Forlan has been awarded the Golden Ball for the best player of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Forlan was the heartbeat of the Uruguay side which surpassed expectations in reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Atletico Madrid ace scored five goals en route to Uruguay finishing fourth following their 3-2 defeat by Germany in Saturday's play-off.
The former Manchester United man netted in that game and was also on target in the matches against the hosts, Ghana and the Netherlands.
He was up against nine other contenders for the Golden Ball, which was voted for by the international media in South Africa.
Forlan polled 23.4 per cent of the vote to finish ahead of Spain striker David Villa and Holland schemer Wesley Sneijder.
All three players scored five goals in the tournament, but missed out on the Golden Boot to Thomas Mueller due to the Germany youngster having amassed the most assists.
World Cup final match-winner Andres Iniesta was also up for the Golden Ball, along with his Spain and Barcelona team-mate Xavi.
Sneijder's compatriot Arjen Robben, Germany duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Oezil, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan and Argentina star Lionel Messi were the other candidates for the Golden Ball.
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