Chosen by its editorial team, the award goes to the player deserving recognition for achieving something special "it won't necessarily be the best player in the world -- at least not usually -- but whoever we nominate will have done something amazing".
Nelsen was voted the winner on the opening week of the 2010 World Cup for "inspiring his side to two draws and giving the All Whites a shot at last 16 qualification".
June 20 may well serve as a red letter day for the round-ball game in the land of the Kiwi, goal.com offered.
"For that is the day that the football team gained a second-ever World Cup point against the reigning World Cup holders, Italy," it said.
"Earlier in the week the All Whites had mustered a last minute draw against Slovakia in a now wide-open Group F; it means that, despite the incredible odds, New Zealand are in with a realistic shot of a knockout spot at World Cup 2010.
"And to have made it this far, with only two goals conceded, much of the acclaim goes to the team's captain and leader, Ryan Nelsen. The central defender with a degree in political science has adequately co-ordinated the backline of his side and has been close to heroic at times in South Africa."
Nelsen put his body on the line time and again to repel the Italians, it said.
Rated highly commended were:
Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina): for a World Cup hat-trick.
Dennis Rommedahl (Denmark): for standout performance against Cameroon.
Elano (Brazil): midfielder with two goals in two matches.
