Johannesburg -Uruguay striker Diego Forlan was on Sunday awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2010 World Cup, FIFA announced.
With five goals in seven matches, the Atletico Madrid star however did not lead Uruguay to the World Cup glory, but his burst of outstanding play captivates the globe.
Uruguay finished fourth, after losing to Germany 3-2 in the third place playoff.
The Adidas Golden Ball award goes to the tournament's outstanding player and he is voted by members of the media.
Germany midfielder Thomas Mueller won the Golden Boot award for top scorer at the 2010 World Cup.
Mueller finished with five goals, having more assists than three other players with the same goal tally.
Mueller finished ahead of Spain's David Villa and Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands, who each had one assist to the winner's three.
Spain's Iker Casillas was voted the best goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup on Sunday after his side defeated the Netherlands 1-nil after extra time in the final.
Casillas, who twice denied Arjen Robben, including a solo run, got the FIFA's Golden Glove award after conceding just two goals in seven matches.
The Real Madrid star, who is Spain's skipper, also saved a penalty in the 1-nil quarterfinal win over Paraguay.
