World Cup Best Players (Golden Ball)
Quick Answer
The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award recognises the tournament's outstanding player, selected by media representatives from a shortlist compiled by FIFA's technical committee. Lionel Messi is the only two-time winner (2014, 2022).
- 22 different players have won the award from 1930 to 2022
- Brazil has produced 7 Golden Ball winners, the most of any nation
- Winners include legends like Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, and Zidane
The 'Golden Ball Award' is presented to the outstanding player at each FIFA World Cup finals.
The winner is selected from a shortlist drawn up by the FIFA technical committee, as voted by representatives of the media.
The winner has come from Brazil 7 times. Only one player has won the award twice, Lionel Messi in 2014 and 2022.
History and Significance
While the Golden Ball award was officially introduced at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, FIFA has retroactively designated the best player from each tournament dating back to the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. According to FIFA's official records, this recognition celebrates the players who demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact throughout the tournament.
— Lionel Messi, 2022
The award is distinct from team success — players from runner-up teams have won the Golden Ball on multiple occasions, including Luka Modrić in 2018 (Croatia) and Lionel Messi in 2014 (Argentina). This demonstrates that FIFA and the voting media recognize individual excellence regardless of the final tournament outcome.
Complete List of Golden Ball Winners
Notable Trends and Statistics
Brazilian Dominance
Brazil leads with 7 Golden Ball winners, reflecting the nation's historical excellence in producing world-class talent. These winners span from 1938 to 1998, showcasing sustained success across generations.
Goalkeeper Recognition
Oliver Kahn (2002) is the only goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball, highlighting the rarity of defensive players receiving the honor in a tournament traditionally dominated by attacking talent.
Messi's Unique Achievement
Lionel Messi's two Golden Ball awards (2014 and 2022) make him the only player to win the honor twice, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in World Cup history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the World Cup Golden Ball award the most times?
Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award twice, receiving the honor in both 2014 and 2022. His first came as part of Argentina's runner-up team, while his second accompanied Argentina's championship victory in Qatar.
Which country has produced the most Golden Ball winners?
Brazil has produced the most Golden Ball winners with 7 players receiving the award across different World Cup tournaments. These winners include Didi (1958), Garrincha (1962), Pelé (1970), Leônidas (1938), Zizinho (1950), Romário (1994), and Ronaldo (1998).
How is the World Cup Golden Ball winner selected?
The winner is selected from a shortlist drawn up by the FIFA technical committee and voted on by representatives of the media. The voting takes place at the conclusion of the tournament and considers overall performance throughout all matches played.
Do you have to win the World Cup to win the Golden Ball?
No, players from non-winning teams can win the Golden Ball. Notable examples include Luka Modrić in 2018 (Croatia finished second), Lionel Messi in 2014 (Argentina finished second), and Oliver Kahn in 2002 (Germany finished second). The award recognizes individual excellence regardless of team outcome.
When was the Golden Ball award first given?
The Golden Ball award was officially introduced at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. However, FIFA has retroactively designated the best player from each World Cup dating back to the first tournament in 1930, which is why José Nasazzi is recognized as the 1930 recipient.
Has a goalkeeper ever won the Golden Ball?
Yes, Oliver Kahn of Germany won the Golden Ball at the 2002 World Cup, becoming the only goalkeeper to receive the award. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament, including crucial saves in multiple matches, earned him this unique distinction.
What other individual awards are given at the World Cup?
In addition to the Golden Ball, FIFA awards the Golden Boot (top scorer), Golden Glove (best goalkeeper), and Best Young Player award. Silver and Bronze Ball awards are also given to the second and third-best players of the tournament.
References
- FIFA. (2024). "FIFA World Cup Awards." FIFA Official Website. Retrieved from www.fifa.com
- FIFA Technical Study Group. (2022). "2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Technical Report." FIFA Publications.
- FIFA Media Department. (2018). "FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Statistical Kit." FIFA Communications.
- Glanville, B. (2018). "The Story of the World Cup." Faber & Faber.
- Wilson, J. (2018). "The Barcelona Legacy: Guardiola, Mourinho and the Fight for Football's Soul." Blink Publishing.
- FIFA Historical Archives. (2023). "World Cup Best Player Selections 1930-2022." FIFA Museum Collection.
- Lyttleton, B. (2022). "Edge: Leadership Secrets from Football's Top Thinkers." HarperCollins.
Related Pages
FIFA World Cup Awards
Complete guide to all FIFA World Cup individual awards including Golden Boot, Golden Glove, and Best Young Player honors.
Learn More →Golden Glove Winners
Explore the history of the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award, recognizing the tournament's best goalkeeper at each edition.
Learn More →World Cup Winners
Complete list of FIFA World Cup winning countries from 1930 to 2022, including details about each championship team.
Learn More →UEFA Euros Player of Tournament
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