Uruguay's Diego Forlan [ Images ] won the best player of the tournament award on Sunday after lighting up the World Cup with some wonderful goals that helped his team become South America's only semi-finalist.
- Images from the World Cup final
The blond-locked striker won legions of admirers -- not least among South African women -- for his fantastic play on the pitch and courteous attitude off it where he always made time to sign autographs and chat with fans or journalists.
- Goal scorers at 2010 World Cup finals
Forlan took 23.4 percent in the "Golden Ball" poll organised by world soccer body FIFA [ Images ] and voted for by journalists. Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder [ Images ] was second with 21.8 percent and Spain's David Villa [ Images ] third on 16.9 percent.
All three got five goals, making them joint top scorers along with Germany's [ Images ] Thomas Mueller [ Images ].
Mueller took the "Golden Boot" award given to the top scorer, using assists and number of minutes played as a tie-breaker.
The German was also named Best Young Player.
As well as winning the World Cup, Spain also took the FIFA Fair Play Award. Their captain Iker Casillas [ Images ] won the "Golden Glove" prize for best goalkeeper.
Forlan's award will cheer Uruguayans after their side lost agonisingly to Germany 3-2 in the third place playoff.
Forlan struck the bar with a typically spectacular free kick in the last touch of the match
Spain emerged champions, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra-time in the final.
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