FIFA All-Time World Cup

World Cup Golden Ball

Paul Yarden
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Paul Yarden
Paul Yarden
ByPaul Yarden
Paul Yarden founded MyFootballFacts (MFF) in April 2009, after decades of collecting football data and statistics. A devout football fan, Paul follows the beautiful game around...
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World Cup Golden Ball

FIFA World Cup Finals Tournaments 1930 to 2026 Golden Ball

The Golden Ball award is presented to the best player at each FIFA World Cup finals, with a shortlist drawn up by the FIFA technical committee and the winner voted for by representatives of the media. Those who finish as runners-up in the vote receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards as the second and third most outstanding players in the tournament respectively.

YearGolden Ball WinnerNation
1930José NasazziUruguay
1934Giuseppe MeazzaItaly
1938LeônidasBrazil
1950ZizinhoBrazil
1954Ferenc PuskásHungary
1958DidiBrazil
1962GarrinchaBrazil
1966Bobby CharltonEngland
1970PeléBrazil
1974Johan CruyffNetherlands
1978Mario KempesArgentina
1982Paolo RossiItaly
1986Diego MaradonaArgentina
1990Salvatore SchillaciItaly
1994RomárioBrazil
1998RonaldoBrazil
2002Oliver KahnGermany
2006Zinedine ZidaneFrance
2010Diego ForlánUruguay
2014Lionel MessiArgentina
2018Luka ModricCroatia
2022Lionel MessiArgentina
2026RodriSpain
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Paul Yarden
ByPaul Yarden
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Paul Yarden founded MyFootballFacts (MFF) in April 2009, after decades of collecting football data and statistics. A devout football fan, Paul follows the beautiful game around the world. As MFF’s main statistician and chief editor, he creates data reviews, daily football quizzes, and writes numerous articles. Renowned for his ability to spot trends, Paul is often described as a walking football encyclopaedia, known for his extensive trivia knowledge. He oversees the site's editorial direction and leads its data-driven coverage, including the World Cup 2026 predictions tracker, turning raw numbers into the trends and forecasts behind the headlines. Find Paul on X and LinkedIn.
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