What a world cup it has been so far. In this new updated format, we have seen some brilliant individual performances from the world’s best. Fans are usually lucky enough to see a select few of the top superstars rise to the occasion at the FIFA World Cup, but this year, just about all the top stars have shown up in a big way. Here are our current Golden Ball favorites to win the tournament’s coveted best player award.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
You knew he would be here. FIFA’s poster boy is the poster boy for legitimate reasons.
He is not washed, and he is still one of the best in the world. He continues to break records at the World Cup, and will go down as the best player of all time. If Argentina were to win the tournament, it would be too difficult to look past his achievements.
Messi’s influence extends far beyond goals and assists, as he remains the player every opponent builds their game plan around. If he continues to deliver decisive moments in the knockout rounds while leading Argentina to another deep run, his case for the Golden Ball will only become stronger.
Kylian Mbappé, France
Mr. World Cup is going to shatter every record in World Cup history, there is no doubt about it. Even children or those who have never watched the sport before can recognize his talent when you watch him play. The Real Madrid superstar will go down as one of the greatest players in history and has already scored 7 times this tournament, alongside Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
Beyond his goals, Mbappé has consistently been France’s biggest difference-maker whenever the pressure has been at its highest. Another match-winning performance in the semi-finals or final could make it nearly impossible for voters to look anywhere else.
Jude Bellingham, England
Stepping into the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is one of the most daunting tasks for any footballer. Not only was Bellingham having a great tournament beforehand, but his quick brace against Mexico completely changed the game for England and propelled his side to the quarter-finals. Jude simply has that ability to show up in those big games, and with a history of the Golden Ball going to players with Jude’s playstyle, he will be one of the favorites to win if England go deep.
Bellingham has become England’s heartbeat, contributing on both sides of the ball while thriving in the biggest moments. If the Three Lions reach the final, his all-around impact could resonate with voters just as much as another player’s goal tally.
Erling Haaland, Norway
The Viking is one of the most fun players to watch. This guy is simply exceptional at scoring goals and is pure entertainment. While Norway are still underdogs to win this tournament, Haaland and co. shouldn’t be ruled out just yet. With just three wins to go, anything is possible and beating Brazil will have instilled serious confidence in his squad.
Haaland also has the kind of star power that can shift the narrative with one unforgettable performance. If Norway continue their Cinderella run and he keeps finding the back of the net, he could quickly emerge as the tournament’s most compelling Golden Ball candidate.
Michael Olisé, France
The Bayern Munich superstar is often overlooked by Mbappe but Olisé is finally getting the recognition he deserves. While he has a different skillset than Mbappé’s, he is equally as important to France’s success, and with France’s likelihood of winning the tournament, it is likely we see a Golden Boot winner of Mbappe and Olisé taking home the Golden Ball.
Olisé’s creativity and composure in the final third have given France another dimension throughout the tournament. If he continues producing match-defining assists and goals on the biggest stage, he has every chance to step out of Mbappé’s shadow and claim the individual honor himself.
Ousmane Dembélé, France
You thought we were done after our second French player? Of course not. France remain the favorites to win this tournament, and for good reason. This team is one of the most talented sides of all time, and that is why even the third-best player on this team could still easily win the award. If Dembélé scores a big goal or two in the semi-finals or finals, he could be well on route to a Golden Ball.
Dembélé has been one of France’s most unpredictable attacking weapons, capable of changing a match with a single dribble or moment of brilliance. Tournament-defining performances in the final rounds would give him a genuine opportunity to leapfrog his teammates in the Golden Ball race.
Who did we miss? Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments!
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