World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Odds
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Winning the World Cup trophy will be the main goal for every single player heading to North America this summer, but being named the best player at the tournament is quite the individual accolade. Read More
This award is more popularly known as the Golden Ball, which has been presented to the best player at each World Cup since 1982, which is when Italy's Paolo Rossi scooped the inaugural award. A Silver and Bronze Ball are also allocated to the second and third best players at each tournament.
You can bet on which player you think we come out on top in this department below. All you need to do is check out the odds table - which includes a variety of bookmakers - and click on the odds of the player you think will win the coveted Golden Ball.
Golden Ball Odds: The Main Contenders
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi has claimed the Golden Ball in two of the last three World Cups (2014 and 2022), making him the only player to win the award multiple times since its introduction in 1982.
He continues to produce magic on the biggest stage and is now the favourite to become the first player to win it three times.
Rodri (Spain)
Rodri has emerged as a contender for the Golden Ball after playing a pivotal role in Spain's run to the 2026 World Cup final. While attacking players often dominate the award, the former Ballon d'Or winner has been the heartbeat of Spain's midfield, dictating possession, breaking up opposition attacks and setting the tempo in their biggest matches.
If Spain were to defeat Argentina in the final and Rodri delivers another commanding performance, his influence at both ends of the pitch could make him a strong contender to be recognised as the tournament's outstanding player.
Yamine Lamal (Spain)
One of the brightest young talents in world football, Lamine Yamal has already played a starring role in Spain’s recent success, picking up the Young Player of the Tournament award at the country’s successful Euro 2024.
f Yamal can produce a decisive performance in the final against Argentina and help Spain lift the trophy, he could strengthen his case as a serious Golden Ball contender while further cementing his status as one of the game's next global superstars.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
Spain’s leading goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup, Mikel Oyarzabal has been one of the standout performers in their run to the final. The versatile forward has consistently delivered in the biggest moments, combining intelligent movement, clinical finishing and his ability to link play with those around him.
Another decisive display against Argentina in the final could see him scoop the award.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe has been in scorching form for both club and country. He’s an absolute goal machine, who won the Golden Boot win at the 2022 World Cup and lifted the trophy four years earlier. He's already proving to be central France’s trophy ambitions once again and looks well primed too scoop multiple individual honours too. However, after missing out on the final, he may be better placed to win the Golden Boot.
Former Golden Ball Winners
10 players have won the 11 editions of the Golden Ball since it was first dished out back in 1982, with only Lionel Messi winning the award on multiple occasions.
Perhaps surprisingly, only four of the 11 winners have come from the country that won the World Cup that particular year.
As for how each winner is chosen, the FIFA technical committee string together a shortlist of players with the winner then voted for by media representatives.
- 1982 - Paolo Rossi (Italy)
- 1986 - Diego Maradona (Argentina)
- 1990 - Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
- 1994 - Romário (Brazil)
- 1998 - Ronaldo (Brazil)
- 2002 - Oliver Kahn (Germany)
- 2006 - Zinedine Zidane (France)
- 2010 - Diego Forlán (Uruguay)
- 2014 - Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- 2018 - Luka Modrić (Croatia)
- 2022 - Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Pros and Cons of betting on the Golden Ball
Positives
- Anyone can win
- The winner doesn't have to be from the winning team
- Big prices can be available pre-tournament
Negatives
- Your player could get injured at any point
- Can be subjective as the shortlist is chosen by a committee, then the media vote
Frequently Asked Questions on the Golden Ball
Who is the Golden Ball awarded to?
The Golden Ball is awarded to the best player at the World Cup.
There is also a Silver and Bronze Ball awarded to the 2nd and 3rd best players.
Who picks the winner?
The FIFA technical committee draws up a shortlist of players based on their performances at that particular World Cup. The winner is then voted for by media representatives.
Who won the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup?
Argentina captain Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball award at the 2022 World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe (France) won the Silver Ball and Luka Modric (Croatia) won the Bronze Ball.
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