Monday, February 6th, 2012
JOHANNESBURG – Diego Forlan has won FIFA’s Golden Ball Award after finishing joint-top scorer at the World Cup in South Africa.
Forlan, who finished with five goals – which was also the same amount as Thomas Muller, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder in the Golden Boot race. However, the Golden Boot was given to Thomas Muller instead because of his assists.
The Atletico Madrid striker netted two goals against South Africa and one apiece against Ghana, Netherlands and in the third place play-off against Germany.
Forlan finished in a four-way tie with Thomas Muller, Wesley Sneijder and David Villa for the Golden Boot with five goals – an award Muller took on a tie-break thanks to having more assists.
Forlan has attracted interest from a string of Europe’s top clubs after helping Atletico Madrid to a Europa League triumph, and then Uruguay to fourth place at the World Cup.
After Uruguay’s tournament came to an end the 31-year-old said: “It’s been the best year of my career.”
Spain’s David Villa was second with Holland’s Wesley Sneijder third.
Germany’s Muller also picked up the Best Young Player award, while Spain captain Iker Casillas can add the Golden Glove award to his World Cup winners’ medal.
Tags: David Villa, Diego Forlan, Iker Casillas, Uruguay, Wesley Sneijder