World Cup
World Cup Golden Ball Winners List, History & Award Explained
The World Cup Golden Ball is awarded to the player deemed to be the best at the tournament and William Hill News take readers on a trip down memory lane.
Legendary players like Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Zinédine Zidane, and Lionel Messi have all won the coveted award.
This prestigious individual honour celebrates outstanding performance on football’s biggest stage, recognising the players who truly define their respective tournaments through skill, leadership, and impactful contributions.
Golden Ball Award Explained
The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award is presented to the most outstanding player at the conclusion of each FIFA World Cup finals tournament.
A shortlist of candidates is initially drawn up by the FIFA technical committee, known as the Technical Study Group. Following this, media representatives cast their votes to determine the ultimate winner.
Introduced officially at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, the Golden Ball award is sponsored by Adidas and France Football.
In addition to the Golden Ball, the second and third most impressive players in the tournament receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards, respectively. This system ensures that multiple exceptional talents are recognised for their contributions.
World Cup Golden Ball Winners List
The World Cup Golden Ball has been awarded to some of football’s most iconic figures, with each winner leaving an indelible mark on their respective tournaments. Lionel Messi stands alone as the only player to have secured the Golden Ball award twice.
Here is a comprehensive list of all official Golden Ball winners since its inception, along with the unofficial winner from 1978:
Mario Kempes (1978)
Mario Kempes was the driving force behind Argentina’s first World Cup triumph on home soil.
The attacking midfielder scored six goals and provided one assist in seven appearances, including two crucial goals in the final against the Netherlands to secure the trophy. His exceptional performances earned him the unofficial Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and Golden Shoe awards that year.
Paolo Rossi (1982)
Paolo Rossi’s incredible resurgence saw him lead Italy to glory in Spain. After a quiet start, the forward exploded in the knockout stages, scoring six goals and providing one assist in seven appearances. His hat-trick against Brazil and goals in the semi-final and final cemented his status as the tournament’s best player and top scorer.
Diego Maradona (1986)
Diego Maradona delivered one of the most dominant individual World Cup performances in history, captaining Argentina to their second title. The attacking midfielder scored five goals and registered five assists in seven matches, showcasing unparalleled skill and leadership. His iconic goals against England, including the “Goal of the Century,” remain legendary.
Salvatore Schillaci (1990)
Salvatore Schillaci emerged as an unexpected hero for Italy at their home World Cup. The forward scored six goals and provided one assist in seven appearances, a remarkable feat given he started the tournament as a substitute. His clinical finishing propelled Italy to a third-place finish and earned him both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
Romário (1994)
Romário was the spearhead of Brazil’s attack, leading them to their fourth World Cup title in the USA. The prolific forward scored five goals and contributed two assists in seven matches. His decisive performances, particularly in the knockout stages, were instrumental in Brazil’s success.
Ronaldo (1998)
Ronaldo, despite a tumultuous final, was recognised as the tournament’s best player for his electrifying displays. The Brazilian forward scored four goals and provided three assists in seven appearances, dazzling fans with his pace and skill. He helped Brazil reach the final, where they ultimately finished as runners-up and went on to rank among the all-time top World Cup scorers.
Oliver Kahn (2002)
Oliver Kahn made history as the first and only goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball. The German captain was an impenetrable force, conceding only three goals and keeping five clean sheets in seven matches. His heroic saves were crucial in guiding Germany to the final.
Zinédine Zidane (2006)
Zinédine Zidane delivered a masterclass in his final major tournament, leading France to the World Cup final. The attacking midfielder scored three goals and provided one assist in six appearances, showcasing his elegant control in decisive moments. His iconic performances included a penalty in the final before his infamous red card.
Diego Forlán (2010)
Diego Forlán was the creative and scoring heartbeat of Uruguay’s surprise run to the semi-finals. The forward scored five goals and provided one assist in seven appearances, with his spectacular long-range strikes becoming a highlight of the tournament. He was also awarded the Golden Boot for his goal-scoring prowess.
Lionel Messi (2014)
Lionel Messi earned his first World Cup Golden Ball for his inspirational leadership and crucial goals for Argentina. The forward scored four goals and provided one assist in seven appearances, guiding his team to the final where they narrowly lost to Germany. His individual brilliance was undeniable throughout the tournament.
Luka Modrić (2018)
Luka Modrić captained Croatia to their historic first World Cup final appearance, earning the Golden Ball for his exceptional midfield control and tireless work rate. The midfielder scored two goals and provided one assist in seven appearances, orchestrating Croatia’s play with precision and vision.
Lionel Messi (2022)
Lionel Messi secured his second Golden Ball, a unique achievement, as he finally led Argentina to World Cup glory. The forward scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven appearances, delivering a series of unforgettable performances, including two goals in the thrilling final against France. His leadership and decisive contributions were paramount to Argentina’s triumph.
Who Will Win the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball?
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, football fans and pundits alike are already speculating about which player will claim the coveted Golden Ball. The expanded 48-team format means more matches and potentially more opportunities for individual brilliance.
Several top talents are expected to be in contention, ready to make their mark on the global stage. Kylian Mbappé, fresh off his incredible performances in 2022, is a strong favourite in the World Cup odds. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and ability to perform under pressure make him a prime candidate to lead France deep into the tournament and potentially secure the award.
Harry Kane, a previous Golden Boot winner who’s chasing the England World Cup goals record, will also be looking to showcase his all-around game for England. His consistent goal-scoring record and playmaking abilities could see him vie for the Golden Ball.
Other players who could challenge include Erling Haaland, whose prolific goal-scoring for club and country makes him a constant threat, and Vinícius Jr., whose flair and attacking prowess for Brazil could light up the tournament.
Young talents like Jude Bellingham for England and Jamal Musiala for Germany will also be eager to prove themselves on the grandest stage, potentially emerging as dark horses for the prestigious individual accolade.
The tournament’s expanded format could also open doors for standout players from less traditional footballing nations to gain recognition, much like Luka Modrić did for Croatia in 2018. You can find out more about the top players for each team in our 2026 World Cup team previews.
World Cup Golden Ball FAQs:
What is the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball?
The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball is an award presented to the player recognised as the best performer throughout the entire World Cup finals tournament. The winner is selected by a vote from media representatives, based on a shortlist provided by FIFA’s technical committee.
Which player won the most Golden Ball awards at the World Cup?
Lionel Messi has won the most Golden Ball awards at the World Cup, securing the accolade twice. He achieved this feat in 2014 and again in 2022, making him the only player in history to win the award multiple times.
How do you win the World Cup Golden Ball?
To win the World Cup Golden Ball, a player must consistently deliver exceptional performances throughout the tournament, from the group stages through to the final phases. Their impact on their team’s success, individual skill, leadership, and decisive contributions are all considered by the FIFA technical committee and media voters.
Does Cristiano Ronaldo have a World Cup Golden Ball?
No, Cristiano Ronaldo does not have a World Cup Golden Ball. While he has won numerous other individual accolades in his career, the Golden Ball for the World Cup has eluded him.
How many World Cup Golden Balls does Lionel Messi have?
Lionel Messi has two World Cup Golden Balls. He won his first in 2014 and his second in 2022, distinguishing him as the only player to receive this honour multiple times.
Is the Golden Ball the same as the Ballon d’Or?
No, the Golden Ball and the Ballon d’Or are not the same award. The Golden Ball is awarded specifically to the best player at a single FIFA World Cup tournament. The Ballon d’Or, on the other hand, is an annual award given to the world’s best male footballer based on their performance over a calendar year for both club and national team.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
