World Cup 2026 best player betting
World Cup player markets are not solely about the front men who knock in the goals. There is also an award, the adidas Golden Ball, for the player adjudged the overall best of the tournament.
Of course, this Golden Ball is subjective, so betting on the outcome could lead to heartbreak if you feel the player you have backed has been harshly judged. Or maybe you will feel lucky that your player has won the accolade.
But a glance at recent winners – Lionel Messi (2014 and 2022), Diego Forlan (2010), Zinedine Zidane (2006), Oliver Khan (2002) and Brazil superstars Ronaldo (1998) and Romario (1994) – is reassuring that the cream generally rises to the top.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, who could play at the 2026 World Cup, is the only player to win two Golden Balls, and it would take a brave man to count him out in the USA.
Representatives of the media vote on the overall winner from a shortlist drawn up by the FIFA technical committee. The players voted second and third best receive the Silver and Bronze balls respectively.
Golden Ball odds 2026
- Raphinha 2.20
- Mohamed Salah 6.00
- Ousmane Dembele 6.00
- Lamine Yamal 6.00
- Robert Lewandowski 800
- Lautaro Martineza 11.00
- Kylian Mbappe 15.00
- Pedri 17.00
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 34.00
- Declan Rice 41.00
- Pablo Martin Gavi 67.00
- Harry Kane 67.00
- Jose Vinicius Junior 81.00
Tips for finding adidas Golden Ball winner at 2026 World Cup
- The winner will likely come from one of the favoured teams A glance at the accompanying table will tell you that the Golden Ball winners have all come from the dominant countries at the FIFA World Cup. So, in this contest maybe it’s of little use being a superstar in a team that’s not going to make the second round. There is every chance the winner will come from the one of the four semi-final teams.
- Look for a playmaker who can also score You will need someone who spends plenty of time on the ball (or enough at least to attract plenty of attention from the judges) but can also get forward to chip in with a goal or two. Someone who sets up goals as well as scores them. Simple.
- Back a player from the teams who may make surprise runs to the semi-finals When a team causes a shock here and there and becomes the toast of the tournament, everyone wants to know all about them. This surge of interest can put the star player of said team firmly in the spotlight.
- Secure the best Golden Ball odds: Finding football betting sites that accept your custom and have competitive odds is crucial when wagering on the Golden Ball winner. For instance, futures betting on the Golden Ball is open well in advance, and right now a key chance Mbappe is paying 18.00 with one bookie, and only 9.00 with one of their rivals. We know which one we would prefer.
Golden Ball, Silver Ball and Bronze ball winners list
| Year | Host | Golden ball | Silver ball | Bronze ball |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mexico, USA, Canada | |||
| 2022 | Qatar | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | Kylian Mbappé (France) | Luka Modrić (Croatia) |
| 2018 | Russia | Luka Modric (Croatia) | Eden Hazard (Belgium) | Antoine Griezmann (France) |
| 2014 | Brazil | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | Thomas Müller (Germany) | Arjen Robben (Netherlands) |
| 2010 | South Africa | Diego Forlán (Uruguay) | Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) | David Villa (Spain) |
| 2006 | Germany | Zinedine Zidane (France) | Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) | Andrea Pirlo (Italy) |
| 2002 | Korea/Japan | Oliver Kahn (Germany) | Ronaldo (Brazil) | Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) |
| 1998 | France | Ronaldo (Brazil) | Davor Šuker (Croatia) | Lilian Thuram (France) |
| 1994 | United States | Romário (Brazil) | Roberto Baggio (Italy) | Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria) |
| 1990 | Italy | Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) | Lothar Matthäus (West Germany) | Diego Maradona (Argentina) |
| 1986 | Mexico | Diego Maradona (Argentina) | Harald Schumacher (West Germany) | Preben Elkjær Larsen (Denmark) |
| 1982 | Spain | Paolo Rossi (Italy) | Falcão (Brazil) | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (West Germany) |
Note: Before 1982, a best player was named at FIFA World Cups but the award was not known as the Golden Ball. The winners were as follows:
1930: Jose Nasazzi (Uruguay, defender)
1934: Giuseppe Meazza (Italy, striker)
1938: Leonidas Da Silva (Brazil, striker)
1950: Zizinho (Brazil, midfielder)
1954: Ferenc Puskás (Hungary, striker)
1958: Didi (Brazil, midfielder)
1962: Garrincha (Brazil, winger)
1966: Bobby Charlton (England, midfielder)
1970: Pelé (Brazil, striker)
1974: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands, midfielder/striker)
1978: Marion Kempes (Argentina, striker).
Golden Ball 2026 betting tips & prediction
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
What we say: Will he play? Won’t he play? We’ve said it before in this column, but the little master is surely entering his final World Cup. He’s won everything there is to win on an individual level, including this award four year ago and in 2014. The Argentinian superstar still has more tricks in his kit than most, but he will turn 39 during the tournament and we’re willing to let this play out without our money involved.
Odds: - Antoine Griezmann (France)
What we say: The player Messi wants Barcelona to sign from Spanish club Atletica Madrid and it’s easy to see why. Player of the tournament and top goal-scorer at Euro 2016, so is at home on the big stage.
Odds: $13 - Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
What we say: Part of Belgium’s golden generation and his hopes will hinge on the team living up to the tag and going deep into the tournament. Enough wins will determine just how well the Manchester City star scores.
Odds: $17 - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
What we say: Along with Messi, the greatest players of the generation. He will be given licence to roam and this could be his last hurrah on the biggest stage, if he decided to play. They say 40 is the new 20 and, having reached this pinnacle ourselves, we seriously doubt it and can’t see Ronaldo being good enough, for long enough to win a Golden Ball in 2026.
Odds: $21 - David Silva (Spain)
What we say: The silky midfielder has had an interrupted preparation but will be pulling the strings for one of the genuine powerhouses of the tournament.
Odds: $21 - Eden Hazard (Belgium)
What we say: The Belgian captain has said the time is now for his star-studded team. No more excuses. But the time for talking is over. Bring on the action.
Odds: $21 - Kylian Mbappé Lottin (France)
What we say: Mbappé is primed for a serious assault on the Golden Ball in 2026, after taking out the Silver Ball in 2022. With the French an equal 6.50 chance to win the World Cup, the 26-year-old is in his prime, and this could be the tournament where the prodigy graduates into rarefied air.
Odds: