Zinedine Zidane Wins Golden Ball for World Cup's Best Player

France captain Zinedine Zidane was named the best player at the World Cup despite being sent off in the final against Italy for head-butting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, FIFA announced on Monday.

Zidane received 2,012 points with Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro second on 1,977 points and Italy's Andrea Pirlo third on 715 points.

Journalists covering the World Cup voted for the award.

Zidane, playing in the final match of his career, received a direct red card for head-butting Materazzi in the chest in the second period of extra-time in the match at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

The match ended 1-1 in extra-time and Italy won the World Cup after triumphing 5-3 in the penalty shootout.