FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winners
The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball is the award given to the best player of the entire World Cup tournament, recognizing the standout performer who made the greatest overall impact in the tournament. The winner of the award, first awarded in 1982, is selected by media representatives from a shortlist compiled by FIFA's technical committee.
Italian Giovanni Trapattoni and Brazilian Pelé (1963)
Golden Ball Winners List
| Year | Golden Ball Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Rodri | Spain |
| 2022 | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
| 2018 | Luka Modrić | Croatia |
| 2014 | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
| 2010 | Diego Forlán | Uruguay |
| 2006 | Zinedine Zidane | France |
| 2002 | Oliver Kahn | Germany |
| 1998 | Ronaldo | Brazil |
| 1994 | Romário | Brazil |
| 1990 | Salvatore Schillaci | Italy |
| 1986 | Diego Maradona | Argentina |
| 1982 | Paolo Rossi | Italy |
Prior to 1982, there was no official player of the tournament award. The following are the players selected by football historian and statistician Ejikeme Ikwunze, in his book World Cup (1930-2010): A Statistical Summary.
| Year | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Mario Kempes | Argentina |
| 1974 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands |
| 1970 | Pelé | Brazil |
| 1966 | Bobby Charlton | England |
| 1962 | Garrincha | Brazil |
| 1958 | Didi | Brazil |
| 1954 | Ferenc Puskás | Hungary |
| 1950 | Zizinho | Brazil |
| 1938 | Leônidas | Brazil |
| 1934 | Giuseppe Meazza | Italy |
| 1930 | José Nasazzi | Uruguay |
Notes:
- The players who finish 2nd and 3rd in the vote receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards.
- The only two-time winner is Lionel Messi, who won in 2014 and 2022.
- Only one player has won the Golden Ball and Golden Glove award at the same World Cup - German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won both awards in 2002.
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