The Best Player at Every World Cup – Ranked
The Golden Ball is one of football’s most coveted individual honors, awarded to the standout player at each FIFA World Cup finals. Since its first edition in 1930, the award has celebrated icons who defined tournaments with brilliance, leadership, and unforgettable moments. From defensive rocks to creative maestros, these winners wrote their names into football history.
1930 – José Nasazzi (Uruguay)
José Nasazzi became the very first Golden Ball winner after captaining Uruguay to glory at the inaugural World Cup. His leadership and composure at the back set a benchmark for future generations and made him a national hero.
1934 – Giuseppe Meazza (Italy)
Giuseppe Meazza led Italy to their first world title with a combination of class, goals, and leadership. His name became synonymous with Italian footballing greatness, inspiring generations to follow.
1938 – Leônidas (Brazil)
Known as the “Black Diamond,” Leônidas stunned the world with his flair, innovation, and deadly finishing. His performances announced Brazil as a future powerhouse on the global stage.
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1950 – Zizinho (Brazil)
Zizinho won the Golden Ball despite Brazil’s painful defeat in the final match. His technique and creativity lit up the tournament and established him as a legend of his era.
1954 – Ferenc Puskás (Hungary)
Ferenc Puskás was the driving force behind Hungary’s “Mighty Magyars,” dazzling with skill, power, and goals. Though Hungary fell short in the final, Puskás’ brilliance defined the tournament.
1958 – Didi (Brazil)
Didi pulled the strings in Brazil’s first World Cup triumph, dictating play with elegance and precision. His intelligence and calm presence in midfield allowed the team’s attacking stars to shine.
1962 – Garrincha (Brazil)
Garrincha stepped up magnificently in the absence of Pelé, leading Brazil to glory with his mesmerizing dribbles. His playful yet devastating style captured hearts worldwide.
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1966 – Bobby Charlton (England)
Bobby Charlton inspired England’s only World Cup triumph with commanding midfield displays and crucial goals. His performances remain central to England’s most iconic footballing moment.
1970 – Pelé (Brazil)
Pelé was the star of a Brazil team considered one of the best ever. His goals, intelligence, and leadership helped secure a third world title and cemented his place as a global legend.
1974 – Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
Johan Cruyff embodied “Total Football” with his elegance and tactical genius. Though the Netherlands didn’t lift the trophy, Cruyff’s impact reshaped the game itself.
1978 – Mario Kempes (Argentina)
Mario Kempes was Argentina’s hero on home soil, scoring vital goals including a double in the final. His relentless energy and scoring touch made him a national icon.
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1982 – Paolo Rossi (Italy)
Paolo Rossi came alive at the perfect moment, scoring decisive goals including a hat-trick against Brazil. His heroics powered Italy to a memorable World Cup triumph.
1986 – Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Diego Maradona delivered one of the greatest individual tournaments in history. His dribbles, vision, and leadership inspired Argentina to their second world title.
1990 – Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
Salvatore Schillaci became the unexpected star of the tournament with his incredible goal-scoring run. His passion and sharp finishing lit up the Italian summer.
1994 – Romário (Brazil)
Romário led Brazil to World Cup glory with his magical touch and clutch goals. His attacking brilliance defined the tournament and brought Brazil their fourth title.
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1998 – Ronaldo (Brazil)
Ronaldo was the face of a new generation, terrorizing defenses with speed and skill. Even though the final ended in disappointment, his dominance throughout the tournament was undeniable.
2002 – Oliver Kahn (Germany)
Oliver Kahn became the first goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball after a string of heroic performances. He single-handedly kept Germany alive deep into the tournament.
2006 – Zinedine Zidane (France)
Zinedine Zidane rolled back the years with a masterclass of elegance and control, guiding France to the final. Despite a controversial ending, his brilliance was unforgettable.
2010 – Diego Forlán (Uruguay)
Diego Forlán delivered one of the most memorable individual campaigns in modern times. His long-range goals and leadership carried Uruguay to an impressive semifinal run.
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2014 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi shone throughout the tournament, leading Argentina to the final with moments of magic. Though they fell short, his class was rewarded with the Golden Ball.
2018 – Luka Modric (Croatia)
Luka Modric inspired Croatia to their first World Cup final with extraordinary performances. His vision and work rate made him a worthy Golden Ball winner.
2022 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi became the first player ever to win the Golden Ball twice after guiding Argentina to their third World Cup title. His leadership, goals, and composure defined a fairytale ending to his World Cup journey.
