The Golden Ball award, first handed in 1982, is given to the finest player in the FIFA World Cup event. The Golden Boot is given to the top goal scorer (or goal scorers). Since 1994, the Golden Gloves award has been granted to the tournament’s best goalie. The Best Young Player award is open to players under the age of 21.
The winner is chosen from a shortlist put out by the FIFA technical committee and voted on by media representatives.
Brazil has won seven times in a row.
Take a look at list of Golden Ball winners:
| Year | Golden Ball Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Luka Modric | Croatia |
| 2014 | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
| 2010 | Diego Forlán | Uruguay |
| 2006 | Zinedine ZIDANE | France |
| 2002 | Oliver KAHN | Germany |
| 1998 | RONALDO | Brazil |
| 1994 | ROMÁRIO (Romário de Souza Faria) | Brazil |
| 1990 | Salvatore SCHILLACI | Italy |
| 1986 | Diego MARADONA | Argentina |
| 1982 | Paolo ROSSI | Italy |
| 1978 | Mario Kempes | Argentina |
| 1974 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands |
| 1970 | Pelé | Brazil |
| 1966 | Bobby Charlton | England |
| 1962 | Garrincha | Brazil |
| 1958 | Didi | Brazil |
| 1954 | Ferenc Puskás | Hungary |
| 1950 | Zizinho | Brazil |
| 1938 | Leônidas | Brazil |
| 1934 | Giuseppe Meazza | Italy |
| 1930 | José Nasazzi | Uruguay |