Zidane in running for Golden Ball Zinedine Zidane is among the nominees for Fifa's prestigious Golden Ball award, given to the most valuable player at the 2006 World Cup.

The France playmaker ends his career in Sunday's World Cup final against Italy.

The 10 nominees include four Italians, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta and Gianluigi Buffon.

Zidane's compatriots Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira are on the list as are Germany's Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose and Portugal's Maniche.


AWARD NOMINEES
Michael Ballack
Gianluigi Buffon
Fabio Cannavaro
Thierry Henry
Miroslav Klose
Maniche
Andrea Pirlo
Patrick Vieira
Gianluca Zambrotta
Zinedine Zidane
"It's going to be difficult to pick a winner this time," Franz Beckenbauer, Germany's organising committee president, said.

"The one thing that can be said is this is the first time there are not any new names.

"I'd say one of the older players... will take it - I liked Henry and Zidane and (Portugal's) Luis Figo, even though he isn't on the list."

Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won the award at the 2002 World Cup, while Brazil's Ronaldo was the winner in 1998.

Fifa will announce its final decision on Monday at around 0900 BST.

Full list of nominations:

Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Maniche (Portugal), Michael Ballack (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy), Thierry Henry (France), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Patrick Vieira (France), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Zinedine Zidane (France).  ¶ 7:33 PM