Argentina’s Lionel MESSI, who has been considered the world’s best footballer for some time, has been awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2014 Men’s World Cup. Other honourees include Colombia’s James RODRÍGUEZ, Golden Boot winner with six goals, and Golden Glove winner Germany’s Manuel NEUER as the top goalkeeper.

Despite four goals and an assist in the tournament, Messi’s choice as Golden Ball winner raised eyebrows, considering that none of his goals came after the start of the elimination phase. Still, his pinpoint passing was one of the critical factors that got the Albiceleste into the final.

The Silver Ball went to Thomas MÜLLER of Germany, and the Bronze Ball was won by Arjen ROBBEN of the Netherlands.

Rodríguez confirmed his star status with six goals in the tournament, more than anyone else. Müller came in second with five goals, and three players were level on four goals. Of these, Brazil’s NEYMAR took third place on the second tiebreaker: he had one assist to Dutch striker Robin VAN PERSIE’s zero, and he played fewer minutes than Messi.

Manuel Neuer was the anchor of the German defence that shut down potent attacking sides like Portugal and Argentina. He beat out final opponent Sergio ROMERO and Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas for the Golden Glove nod.

France’s Paul POGBA took home the Young Player award, eligible to players who turn 21 or younger this year. He finished the tournament with a goal, an assist, and numerous accolades for his talent in winning possession. Others on the shortlist included teammate Raphaël VARANE and the Netherlands’ Memphis DEPAY.

Finally, Colombia earned the Fair Play award as the team in the last sixteen that had the best disciplinary record. In five matches played, no Colombian players were sent off, and only five of them were issued yellow cards.

• Golden Ball: Lionel Messi, Argentina
• Silver Ball: Thomas Müller, Germany
• Bronze Ball: Arjen Robben, Netherlands
• Golden Boot: James Rodríguez, Colombia [6 goals, 2 assists]
• Silver Boot: Thomas Müller, Germany [5 goals, 3 assists]
• Bronze Boot: Neymar, Brazil [4 goals, 1 assist]
• Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer, Germany
• Best Young Player: Paul Pogba, France
• Fair Play: Colombia