Uruguay’s Diego Forlan 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 semifinalist.

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

Forlan took 23.4 percent in the "Golden Ball” poll organised by world soccer body Fifa and voted for by journalists.

Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder was second with 21.8 percent and Spain’s David Villa third on 16.9 percent.

All three got five goals, making them joint top scorers along with Germany’s Thomas Mueller.

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