FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player) Winners List 1930-2014.
The FIFA World Cup “Golden Ball” award is presented to the best player at each FIFA World Cup finals. The award was introduced in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, sponsored by Adidas and France Football, though FIFA also lists in their player articles as “golden ball winners”.
The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball is the award which is given to the best player of this competition. As the name suggests, the trophy is golden in an appearance.
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Winners Full List 1930-2014.>>
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player) Winners List 1930-2014:
| World Cup | Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Brazil | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
| 2010 South Africa | Diego Forlan | Uruguay |
| 2006 Germany | Zinedine Zidane | France |
| 2002 Korea/Japan | Oliver Kahn | Germany |
| 1998 France | Ronaldo | Brazil |
| 1994 United States | Romario | Brazil |
| 1990 Italy | Salvatore Schillaci | Italy |
| 1986 Mexico | Diego Maradona | Argentina |
| 1982 Spain | Paolo Rossi | Italy |
| 1978 Argentina | Mario Kempes | Argentina |
| 1974 West Germany | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands |
| 1970 Mexico | Pele | Brazil |
| 1966 England | Bobby Charlton | England |
| 1962 Chile | Garrincha | Brazil |
| 1958 Sweden | Didi | Brazil |
| 1954 Switzerland | Ferenc Puskas | Hungary |
| 1950 Brazil | Zizinho | Brazil |
| 1938 France | Leonidas | Brazil |
| 1934 Italy | Giuseppe Meazza | Italy |
| 1930 Uruguay | Jose Nasazzi | Uruguay |
However, the technical committee of FIFA makes shortlist of best players throughout the competition and the winner voted for by representatives of the media. Those who finish as runners-up in the vote receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards as the second and third best or outstanding players in the tournament respectively.
The Golden ball should not be confused with the Golden Boot. Golden Boot is presented to the top goal scorer of FIFA World Cup. whereas Golden ball award is given to the best player based on his performance.
Golden Ball Maximum Award Winners by Nation:
The Brazil footballers have won maximum Golden ball awards in the history of FIFA World Cup. From Brazil nation, 7 players have won it Leonidas, Zizinho, Didi, Romario, Garrincha, Pele, Ronaldo.
In last tournament “2014 Brazil“, the Argentina player Lionel Messi was awarded this award. From Germany, there is only one player Thomas Muller who won Silver Ball award in last world cup. Netherland’s Arjen Robben is the player who won the Bronze Ball award in 2014 FIFA World Cup.
List of FIFA World Cup Winners>>
