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The legendary Ricardinho has been crowned Lithuania 2021's best player
Pany and Douglas Junior won the Silver and Bronze Balls respectively
Ferrao finished as top scorer as Nico Sarmiento was named the best goalkeeper
adidas Golden Ball: Ricardinho
“It would be bringing the curtain down beautifully, winning the only trophy that I don’t have,” Ricardinho told FIFA.com earlier in the tournament. “It would be the perfect way to end my international career.” One of the greatest players in history did just that in Lithuania, adding the Futsal World Cup trophy to a cabinet that includes the Mundialito, UEFA EURO and just about everything at club level. And the fundamental function the 36-year-old played in Portugal’s conquest earned him another individual award. What a way for this lord of the court of sign off.
adidas Silver Ball: Pany
The 32-year-old winger was one of several stars of the group stage. He was indubitably the star of the knockout phase. His extra-time brace snatched Portugal a 4-3 win over Serbia in the Round of 16, and he was target against Spain in the quarter-finals and Kazakhstan in the semis. Then, in the final, he scored both the European champions’ goals. “He’s without doubt one of the best players in the world,” Joao Matos told FIFA.com.
adidas Bronze Ball: Douglas Junior
“He really is ‘Iron Man’,” said Leo Higuita of Douglas Junior. “He barely goes off. When he does, he gets 30 seconds’ rest, comes back on and plays with the same energy. He is, without doubt for me, the best player in the world.” The 32-year-old emphatically lived up to his nickname at Lithuania 2021. He made more tackles, completed more passes and played more minutes than any other player. He also chipped in with four goals and five assists – simply outstanding for a defender.
adidas Golden Shoe: Ferrao (9 goals)
The reigning two-time Best Player in the World lived up to his billing at his first Futsal World Cup. His strength, touch, incomparable ability to spin his mark and fearsome shooting with both feet helped him emulate countrymen Manoel Tobias and Falcao and win this prize. adidas Silver Shoe: Pany (8 goals) adidas Bronze Shoe: Taynan (6 goals)
adidas Golden Glove: Nico Sarmiento
“He was unbelievable,” said Brazil coach Marquinhos Xavier of the Argentina goalkeeper after their semi-final. Sarmiento conceded just eight goals in seven matches at this tournament, and was also excellent in a first half against Paraguay in which the Argentina goal was relentlessly threatened.
Fair Play Award
Kazakhstan