Adidas boots might pass Golden Ball to David Silva

The World Cup player of the tournament has been a fiercely contested betting heat over the years and not without its controversy.

Zinedine Zidane edged out Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 despite being sent off in disgrace during the final. It later emerged that most journalists had voted at half-time.

And Diego Forlan was a surprise winner in 2010. Although, it was less of a surprise to those who were following the betting markets as a late gamble had developed on the Uruguayan before the official announcement was made.