German captain Oliver Kahn today became the first goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball as the World Cup's best player.
The 33-year-old was given the award despite being at fault for Brazil's first goal in Sunday's World Cup final, which Germany lost 2-0.
His contribution in helping Germany into the final has been widely applauded, with most making him their top goalkeeper of the tournament.
But the Golden Ball success comes as a surprise, given that Brazil's Ronaldo scored eight goals including both in the final, while Rivaldo also shone with five goals for the new world champions.
The award is voted for by members of the media at the World Cup, with Kahn pulling in 25 per cent of votes, Ronaldo second and claiming the Silver Ball with 21 per cent, while South Korea's Hong Myung-bo surprisingly came third with 18 per cent to take the Bronze Ball.
PA