In pictures: Messi, Neymar, James and the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball nominees

Toni Kroos (top, right), Germany. Marcus Brandt / EPA

Mats Hummels (right), Germany. Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

Thomas Muller, Germany. Francisco Leong / AFP

Philipp Lahm, Germany. Patrik Stollarz / AFP

James Rodriguez, Colombia. Paolo Aguilar / EPA

Angel Di Maria, Argentina. Ivan Alvarado / Reuters

Lionel Messi, Argentina. Gabriel Bouys / AFP

Arjen Robben, Netherlands. Eddie Keogh / Reuters

Javier Mascherano, Argentina. Gabriel Bouys / AFP

Jake Badger

Images of the 10 players nominated for the 2014 World Cup’s Golden Ball award, given to the player determined to be the tournament’s most outstanding.

Updated: July 12, 2014, 12:00 AM