Lionel Messi Chases Historic Back-to-Back World Cup Golden Ball Glory

Debuting in 1982, the Golden Ball has established itself as a fixture of every World Cup tournament.

The award is presented to the standout performer at each edition, as determined by a vote among accredited journalists covering the event. Together with the Golden Boot for the top scorer and the Golden Glove for the finest goalkeeper, the Golden Ball ranks among the three most coveted individual honors available.

Unsurprisingly, many of the sport's all-time greats have claimed the award, and legends such as Pelé, Bobby Charlton, and Johan Cruyff would almost certainly have been recipients had the prize existed during their respective tournaments.

The race for the honor at the 2026 World Cup in North America is heating up, with the well-known figure of Lionel Messi currently at the forefront of contention.

Below is a complete overview of the Golden Ball's history and every past recipient.

Every World Cup Golden Ball Winner By Year

Over the past 44 years, 10 different players have lifted the Golden Ball, with Italy's Paolo Rossi being the first recipient back in 1982. Having netted a tournament-best six goals on the way to glory — including one in the final against Germany — it came as no shock that the prolific striker was recognized as the competition's finest player.

Eight years on, fellow Italian Salvatore Schillaci claimed the same honor, matching Rossi's six-goal haul at the tournament. However, unlike his predecessor, the former Juventus and Inter star had no title to celebrate, as Italy finished in third place.

Between those two Italian triumphs came Diego Maradona, who delivered one of the most extraordinary individual World Cup performances in history with Argentina in 1986. A tournament remembered for the 'Hand of God' and his breathtaking solo goal against England, the diminutive genius was in a class of his own throughout the competition in Mexico.

Brazil produced back-to-back winners heading into the new millennium. Romário claimed the prize in 1994 as his five goals propelled the Seleção to the championship, while Ronaldo followed suit with a remarkable 1998 campaign that ended in heartbreak, as illness and injury hampered him in a 3–0 final loss to France.

Full List of Golden Ball Winners

Oliver Kahn made history four years later as the first and only goalkeeper to win the award, despite being unable to stop an unstoppable Ronaldo in the final as Germany fell to Brazil. Die Mannschaft had recorded five clean sheets in six matches before the championship game.

Despite his notorious headbutt during France's 2006 World Cup final defeat to Italy, Zinedine Zidane was still awarded the Golden Ball in Germany. The Real Madrid legend scored three goals throughout the tournament and put in one of the greatest individual displays of all time during France's stunning quarterfinal victory over defending champions Brazil.

Diego Forlán proved a formidable force for Uruguay when striking the adidas Jabulani, with his tournament-leading five goals guiding the two-time world champions to the semifinals in 2010. Four years on, Messi took center stage, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dazzling for Argentina all the way to the final — though even his brilliance could not prevent a defeat to Germany in the decider.

Messi etched his name further into history by becoming the first player to win the Golden Ball on two occasions, sealing the honor emphatically at the 2022 World Cup. His seven goals steered Argentina to the title, as the greatest player of all time added yet another remarkable chapter to his unmatched legacy.

Luka Modrić had claimed the 2018 Golden Ball after an outstanding World Cup campaign that saw Croatia punch above their weight and reach the final. The midfielder also took home the Ballon d'Or that same year.

World Cup Golden Ball Winners By Country

Argentina leads all nations in Golden Ball victories thanks to Messi's two triumphs and Maradona's earlier win. Their tally of three could potentially rise to four if Messi manages to claim back-to-back awards this summer.

South American rivals Brazil are second with two wins, level with Italy, while Croatia, France, Germany, and Uruguay each have one past winner to their name.

Despite both having lifted the World Cup trophy, neither England nor Spain has ever produced a Golden Ball winner. That could change for Spain this summer if they manage to defeat Argentina in the final.