The shortlist was limited to players from the four teams who made the semi-finals, which are Brazil, USA, Spain and South Africa.

Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Robinho were selected from Brazil, while trio David Villa, Fernando Torres and Xavi were the Spaniards on the list.

USA duo Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, and South Africans Steven Pienaar and Bernard Parker completed the list.

Brazilian striker Adriano won the Golden Ball in the last edition of the quadrennial competition back in 2005.