At the USA-Canadian Cup, Spanish captain Rodri won the Golden Ball award.
In 1982, the World Cup officially awarded the Golden Ball for the first time, recognizing the best player of the tournament.
Since the World Cup Golden Ball award was first presented, Messi is the only player to win it twice, Kahn is the only goalkeeper to win it, and Forlán is the only player whose team didn't even finish in the top three to win it.
The award was not given to the champion player for six consecutive years and was called a consolation prize, but it has been given to the champion player in the last two years.
Past World Cup Golden Ball winners
1982: Paul Rossi 🏆️
1986: Maradona 🏆️
1990: Schillaci 🥉
1994: Romario 🏆️
1998: Ronaldo 🥈
2002: Kahn 🥈
2006: Zinedine Zidane 🥈
2010: Fran
2014: Messi 🥈
2018: Modric 🥈
2022: Messi 🏆️
2026: Rodri 🏆️
