World Cup Award Nominations Announced

Vote

The Emmys were not the only ones today. The shortlists for two awards were announced today: the Golden Ball, the tournament's MVP award, and the Best Young Player, a new award given to a player that is 21 or younger. The Golden Ball shortlist is made by FIFA's Technical Study Group, who now hands the voting off to the media. The Best Young Player award is a combined effort of fan votes and the Technical Study Group.

Not surprising, the bulk of nominees for the Golden Ball come from the finalists, France and Italy, with the remaining players coming from semifinalists Germany and Portugal.

Update: The Young Player Award was given out to Lukas Podolski.

Golden Ball Shortlist

Michael Ballack
Gianliugi Buffon
Fabio Cannavaro
Thierry Henry
Miroslav Klose
Maniche
Andrea Pirlo
Patrick Vieira
Gianlucca Zambrotta
Zinedine Zidane

Best Young Player Shortlist

Tranquilo Barnetta (TSG)
Cesc Fabergas (TSG)
Lionel Messi (fans)
Lukas Podolski (TSG)
Cristiano Ronaldo (fans)
Luis Valencia (fans)

Source

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060706/1/8mhj.html - For Golden Ball
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060704/1/8kvr.html - For Best Young Player

Date

Thu 07/06/06, 9:17 am EST

Enable Comment Auto-Refresher

Alex HolowczakHall of Famer

1227 days ago

Score 0

There is a campaign in England to make sure Ronaldo doesn't win the Young Player award. Nice to see the flags I uploaded in use!

Permalink | Reply

Alex HolowczakHall of Famer

1227 days ago

Score 0

Zidane and Ronaldo should win, but the human vote element may come into it again.

Permalink | Reply

MetsJetsDevilsDraft Pick

1227 days ago

Score 3

Honestly, I thought the most impressive player from France was Ribery. He is everywhere and has been really solid with the ball. Zidane has also been pretty damn good.

Permalink | Reply

Alex HolowczakHall of Famer

1227 days ago

Score 0

Definitely. Ribery was impressive the other night, his runs seemed to cause Portugal problems. Zidane was supreme in the earlier knock-out stages, so I would expect him to sneak it.

Permalink

Sayhey-rodSoccer Kid

1227 days ago

Score 0

Ribery - great choice for young player of the tournament.

Permalink

DeuelioJV Squad

1227 days ago

Score 0

That guy was non-stop and really caused all sorts of problems for Portugal. He really impressed me.

Permalink

Sayhey-rodSoccer Kid

1227 days ago

Score 0

I say Lu-Lu-Lu-Lucas Podolski, but its a shame none of the nominated young players will be involved with the final. As for golden ball, that's a tough one. Zizzou was having a mediocre tourney, even missed a game due to yellows, but that game vs Brazil was incredible. I think that it will depend on the final, though. I can see Pirlo winning it with a free-kick or buffon if no goals are given up (he's only allowed one goal so far, do you know vs who, Alex).

Permalink | Reply