The World Cup's Golden Ball award recognizes the tournament's best player, and was last given to Lionel Messi in 2022 for his incredible performances while leading Argentina to it's third World Cup victory in Qatar.
The Golden Ball is a trophy is handed to the best player of the tournament, and takes into account both individual and team performance. The trophy is typically won by a player on a team that reaches the final, or at least the semi-final of the tournament.
Lionel Messi is of course one of the favorites to win the award in 2026 after winning it twice previously (2014, 2022), but it's England's Harry Kane who is favored in the odds.
Read the latest odds to win the Golden Ball trophy at the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup Golden Ball Award Odds
Kylian Mbappe (France) | |
Lionel Messi (Argentina) | |
Erling Haaland (Norway) | |
Harry Kane (England) | |
Michael Olise (France) | |
Jude Bellingham (England) | |
Lamine Yamal (Spain) | |
Ousmane Dembele (France) | |
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) | |
Rodri (Spain) |
Kylian Mbappe is slightly favored over Lionel Messi to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball award. Mbappe has scored seven goals and added two assists in five games at the tournament to date, and the only match he did not score in he picked up both of his assists.
The French forward has been outstanding every second he's been on the pitch so far, and has been helped by some excellent complimentary play from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele.
Messi is second in the odds to win the Golden Ball, thanks to breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record previously held by Miroslav Klose, and scoring in all five matches Argentina has played. Messi has now scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches dating back to the 2022 tournament. He also leads all players with eight goals in the 2026 tournament.
Norway's Erling Haaland, is another favorite for good reason. Haaland has scored seven goals in four games, and will lead Norway into the Quarterfinals for the first time in the nations history.
The legendary English forward Harry Kane has been a goal-magnet throughout his career, but has done much more than find the back of the net for England. Kane has contributed defensively and dropped deep into the midfielder to help his team maintain possession multiple times throughout the World Cup.
Other players putting on stellar performances are Michael Olise (0 goals, 5 assists), Jude Bellingham (4 goals, 1 assist), and Ousmane Dembele (4 goals, 2 assists).
List of Every Golden Ball Winner
2026 | ??? |
2022 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) |
2018 | Luka Modric (Croatia) |
2014 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) |
2010 | Diego Forlan (Uruguay) |
2006 | Zinedine Zidane (France) |
2002 | Oliver Kahn (Germany) |
1998 | Ronaldo (Brazil) |
1994 | Romario (Brazil) |
1990 | Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) |
1986 | Diego Maradona (Argentina) |
1982 | Paolo Rossi (Italy) |
Read about Every Golden Ball Winner in World Cup History.
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Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Odds Updated 7/8/2026.
