"You have chosen Alcides Ghiggia, Uruguay's Maracanazo hero of 1950, as the World Cup's greatest player," FIFA's Twitter post read.

According to world football's governing body, 578,024 people cast their ballots in the voting for the World Cup's best player, with Ghiggia beating the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lev Yashin.

Ghiggia helped Uruguay win the 1950 FIFA World Cup, scoring the winning goal, as his country shocked hosts Brazil 2-1 in the final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Ghiggia passed away at the age of 88 in 2015. Uruguay have won the World Cup twice – in 1930 and 1950.

They will face Egypt, Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia in Group A at this summer's tournament.