Kahn catches 'adidas Golden Ball' in 2002
Germany captain Oliver Kahn became the first goalkeeper to win the adidas Golden Ball for the player of the tournament at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002™.

The talismanic shotstopper whose incredible displays helped take Germany to the Final received 25 per cent of the votes of all media representatives polled at the Final and the third place play-off. Kahn was beaten just once in six games prior to the Final, where the Germans lost 2-0 to Brazil.

Brazil’s Ronaldo came second behind Kahn with 21 per cent, while Korea Republic’s Hong Myung Bo took third place with 18 per cent. Four members of the title-winning Brazil team were among the top ten in the poll for the player of the tournament, with Rivaldo (fourth), Ronaldinho (fifth) and Roberto Carlos (eighth) all joining team-mate Ronaldo.

Kahn is determined to retain his place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, where he hopes to lead his team to similar success in front of his home crowd.

Germany's inspirational Michael Ballack will be a serious contender for the Golden Ball award for the player of the tournament.

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