Germany striker Lucas Podolski has won the Fifa young player of the World Cup award after a string of fine performances during the tournament.
The 20-year-old has scored three goals in Germany’s six matches so far.
Podolski said: “I would have liked to have taken home the World Cup – but this is a great honour and is a great motivation to become more successful.”
Podolski beat off competition from Cesc Fabregas, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Valencia and Tranquilo Barnetta to win the coveted prize, all of whom were either nominated by the publiic or recommended by the Fifa technical study group.
Holger Osieck, head of the Fifa technical study group, said: “He not only scored three goals, he was a key element in Germany’s attack.
“He showed a great understanding with Miroslav Klose and the two players formed a very effective partnership.”
