The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football championship worldwide. Qatar 2022 World Cup is less than 40 days away. It brings a significant level of excitement. All 32 nations will have their eye on the most prestigious championship.
The Golden Ball was first introduced at the FIFA World Cup 1982 which host by Spain. The prestigious award is given to the best-performing football player of this world championship. Now without wasting any further time, let’s take a look at the 5 contenders who can win the Golden Ball in the 22nd edition of this international football tournament.
- Luka Modric
36 years old Croatian midfielder Won the hearts of the audience with his amazing performance in the previous World Cup. 2018 World Cup Golden Ball winner Luka Modric is always a fan’s favorite. One-time Ballon d’Or winner Modric was voted as the undisputed worst signing in La Liga by readers of the Spanish newspaper “Marca” in the year 2012.
As a veteran player, he knows how to read opponents. Again on the other hand his goal-scoring ability make him an all-rounder. Modric will be 37 when the 2022 Qatar World Cup begins. To make his birthday special, he will try his best to win the big tournament for the Croatian national side and Golden Ball for him.
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- Karim Benzema
34 years old French professional footballer Karim Mostafa Benzema is the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award. He is always renowned among the best strikers all over the world. The Real Madrid captain is Going through the best performances of his career. He also won the Champions League trophy for his club Real Madrid as a captain. He will surely become the key player for France in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
This French veteran player scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for his national side. I must say that he has so much probability of winning the Golden Ball.
- Neymar Jr.
No player all over the world has looked as direful as Neymar Jr in the opening phase of the 2022-23 season. The great Brazilian forward has scored 7 goals with 1 assist in just 4 appearances for the French side Paris Saint Germain so far this season. This 30-year-old Brazilian scored 75 international goals in 121 appearances for his national side.
If he gives this level of performance for Brazil in the World Cup in Qatar, he is likely to return home with the Golden Ball and also the prestigious World Cup trophy.
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- Thomas Müller
2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner Thomas Müller is one of the greatest strikers of this generation. 33-year-old Bayern Munich forward scored 44 international goals in 118 appearances for his nation Germany. He was the main key footballer based on which Germany won the 2014 World Cup. As a striker and also as a midfielder he is a feared dream for opponent teams.
He has scored 10 goals and given 6 assists in his 16 World Cup appearances for Germany. He is also known as the ‘Assist King of Europe’. So, his previous World Cup performances prove that he can shine in Qatar with the Golden Ball and World Cup trophy.
- Antoine Griezmann
31-year-old French forward is the most consistent performer in the world. Atletico Madrid’s forward can turn the game at any moment. In the previous Russia world cup, he shines like a star. As an attacking midfielder, he is also consistent. That proves he is an all-rounder.
The Frenchman scored 42 international goals in110 appearances for his nation. He is a true contender who can win the Golden Ball on Qatar soil in 2022.
FAQ
When was the Golden Ball first introduced in World Cup?
The Golden Ball was first introduced at the FIFA World Cup 1982 which host by Spain. The prestigious award is given to the best-performing football player of this world championship.
Who was the first Golden Ball winner in the World Cup?
Uruguayan footballer Jose Nasazzi was the first winner of the Golden Ball in World Cup history.
Who was the Golden Ball winner of the previous Russia World Cup?
Luca Modric was the winner of the Golden Ball in the Russia World Cup with 2 goals and 1 assist.
How many Brazilian players won the Golden Ball?
7 Brazilian footballers including Leonidas da Silva, Zizinho, Didi, Garrincha, Pele, Romario, and Ronaldo were the Golden Ball-winning players in the World Cup.