Who Will Take Home the Golden Ball in the 2022 World Cup?
As the Qatar World Cup draws to a close, it’s almost time to crown the 2022 champions. Furthermore, FIFA is preparing to award the Golden Ball to the best player in this year’s tournament.
Only the greatest names in football, from Diego Maradona to Zinedine Zidane, have won the award. Lionel Messi claimed the award back in 2014 before Luka Modric triumphed in Russia four years ago.
Will Messi become the first player to win two Golden Balls? Could another breakout star steal the spotlight? Let’s take a look at the top contenders ahead of the final on Sunday.
Argentina – Lionel Messi
In six appearances in Qatar, Messi has five goals and three assists.
The legendary forward will almost certainly win the Golden Ball if he fires Argentina to victory on Sunday after scoring and assisting against Croatia in the semi-finals.
France – Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is just behind Messi in the Golden Boot race, with five goals and two assists.
Despite failing to score or assist in the previous two games, the France superstar could easily light up the final and claim the Golden Ball.
Morocco – Sofyan Amrabat
It would be surprising if the Golden Ball went to a player who did not compete in the final, but Sofyan Amrabat was chosen.
Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final thanks to the dynamic midfielder.
France Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has yet to score in Qatar, but many consider him to be France’s best player, despite Mbappe’s exploits.
The Atletico Madrid star has been reintroduced to a more prominent role, controlling games behind the forward line. He has also contributed three assists, two of which came against England in the quarterfinals.
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Argentina – Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez appeared in Argentina’s first two games as a substitute. However, the Manchester City midfielder has emerged as one of the team’s most important players.
After scoring against Poland and Australia, the 22-year-old scored twice and assisted once in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Croatia.
Following goals against Poland and Australia, the 22-year-old scored twice and assisted once as Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals. If he plays well on Sunday, he could win the Golden Ball.
France’s Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading goal scorer, is a strong contender for the Golden Ball in Qatar.
The veteran striker scored twice against Australia before going on to score against Poland and England. He could win the award if he performs well in the final.