Fifa Announces World Cup Golden Ball Nominees

Spanish National soccer team forward David Villa looks on during the press conference at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa, 14 June 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

The leading tournament scorers, Wesley Sneijder of Holland and Spain's David Villa, headline the list of Fifa's 10 nominees for the World Cup Golden Ball award.

The 10-man shortlist, announced by Fifa on Friday, features three Spain players - striker David Villa is joined by midfield pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Fellow finalists the Netherlands have Wesley Sneijder, who like Villa has five goals, and Arjen Robben listed.

Germany duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Uruguay's Diego Forlan and Ghana's Asamoah Gyan are the other contenders.

Meanwhile, Germany's Thomas Mueller is among three candidates on the shortlist for the best young player at the World Cup.

Andre Ayew of Ghana and Mexico's Giovani dos Santos are also in contention.

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