As Argentina and France are set to lock horns in a final for the ages on Sunday, we picked the 5 biggest contenders to win the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi
It’s safe to say Lionel Messi, dubbed as “the best player in history” by Luka Modric (via Mundo Deportivo) ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo is the biggest contender to win the Golden Ball award.
So far, the Argentine captain has registered an impressive 5 goals and 3 assists in Qatar.
In an Argentina team that is not packed with superstars, Messi has carried his nation on his shoulders to constantly produce moments of magic.
Be it his stunning strike against Mexico or the sublime assist for Julian Alvarez against Croatia, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has been virtually unplayable.
For Messi’s superb displays as well as the fact that he could win the World Cup to cement his place as arguably the best player in history, he is a leading candidate to take home the award.
Kylian Mbappe
Similarly to Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe has left football fans across the world feeling awestruck at times during the World Cup.
With 5 goals and 2 assists for France at the competition, the Frenchman is going head-to-head with his PSG teammate for the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and World Cup trophies.
Mbappe’s blend of technical excellence, merciless finishing and searing pace has made him a joy to watch in Qatar.
So much so that many have labelled the former Monaco sensation as the best player on the planet.
And if Mbappe stops Messi from winning the World Cup by taking his second title home, he could etch his place amongst the pantheon of all-time greats at just 23.
Ultimately, whether him or the boy from Rosario win the Player of the Tournament award hinges on which team amongst France or Argentina wins the World Cup final on Sunday.
Antoine Griezmann
Coming into the tournament with limited minutes for Atletico Madrid, the Antoine Griezmann redemption arc was an unexpected one.
However, the World Cup winner has been a revelation as a No.8, dictating play like a seasoned midfielder whilst astonishingly being a defensive monster as well.
While there has been the odd game where Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have not been at their best, the same cannot be said for Griezmann.
Simpy put, the 30-year-old has operated at an exceptional level every time he has stepped out on the pitch at the tournament.
But seeing how the Frenchman is not amongst the goals and assists like the two biggest contenders for the award, it is likely that he ends up not winning it.
Julian Alvarez
Ultimately, Julian Alvarez remains an outsider for the Golden Ball award at the World Cup.
Perhaps an outrageously good performance in the World Cup final could lead the Manchester City forward to pip his competitors for the accolade.
However, it is key to emphasise that the 22-year-old’s introduction into the Argentine XI is what led to the team looking the real deal.
Unlike the out-of-sorts Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez has looked sharp in front of goal, scoring an impressive 4 goals while not being a regular starter.
Producing moments of magic such as his sensational solo strike against Croatia whilst being a tireless presser, Alvarez well and truly deserves all the credit in the world.
However, it is unlikely that he win the award on Sunday, as perhaps the all-round best player tends to be recognised for it.
And looking at things from said perspective, the likes of Messi, Mbappe and Griezmann are likelier winners.
Olivier Giroud
Coming into the side for the injured Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud has not shown any signs of feeling the pressure.
In fact, the AC Milan striker has revelled under the bright lights and made history while he has been at it.
Enroute to his 4 goals this tournament, the 36-year-old also equalled Thierry Henry’s record of being France’s all-time top goalscorer.
Much like Julian Alvarez, it is improbably that Olivier Giroud wins the Golden Ball at the World Cup.
However, history will remember just how key he was to this frightening French side.
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