Tracking the Top Golden Ball Candidates at World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup is well into its course, with Lionel Messi currently leading the pack for FIFA's Golden Ball. His five goals for Argentina place him ahead of challengers like Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, who have both made strong impacts for France.

The Golden Ball honors more than just scoring—it rewards players whose overall influence and excellence shape the tournament’s story. Over the years, winners have included forwards, midfielders, and even a goalkeeper. Legends such as Paolo Rossi, Diego Maradona, Salvatore Schillaci, Romario, Ronaldo, Oliver Kahn, Zinedine Zidane, and Diego Forlan have all claimed it, alongside current stars like Messi and Luka Modric.

Messi stands out as the only player to have won the award twice already (2014, 2022), and he aims to secure it for a third time. Meanwhile, Mbappe, last edition's runner-up, along with other stars including Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Spain's Lamine Yamal, and England captain Harry Kane, remain serious contenders.

Veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, seeks to add the Golden Ball to his collection while guiding Portugal deep into the tournament. Brazil looks to Vinicius Junior and Raphinha to break their 24-year title drought. With 48 teams competing, new candidates could emerge at any moment.

Top Golden Ball Contenders

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands): Despite a tough club season, Gakpo has been vital for Ronald Koeman’s attack. After a quiet debut against Japan, he shone by assisting early and scoring twice in a win over Sweden.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): Although Spain stumbled against Cape Verde, Oyarzabal showed determination with multiple attempts, especially headers. He later assisted and scored in a strong performance versus Saudi Arabia.
Alexander Isak (Sweden): Isak’s partnership with Viktor Gyokeres helped Sweden dominate Tunisia. He scored and set up multiple goals but struggled in the loss to the Netherlands.
Harry Kane (England): Last season’s European Golden Shoe winner, Kane impressed with a brace against Croatia but faced criticism after missing a key chance in a draw with Ghana.
Denis Undav (Germany): Coming off the bench, Undav turned games around with a goal and assists, including a stoppage-time winner that secured Germany’s group lead.
Vinicius Jr (Brazil): With Neymar recovering and Raphinha injured, Vinicius carried Brazil’s offense, earning Man of the Match in all three group games and scoring crucial goals.
Erling Haaland (Norway): Haaland made an instant impact, scoring twice against Iraq and Senegal. His efforts earned him Man of the Match and set up a showdown with Mbappe’s France.
Michael Olise (France): Olise’s pace, control, and finishing have dazzled. He has created chances for Mbappe and Dembele, earning Man of the Match honors as France secured wins over Senegal and Iraq.
Kylian Mbappe (France): Already a World Cup legend with gold and silver medals, Mbappe broke Pele’s goal record early in this tournament and continues to score decisively, fueling France’s attack alongside Olise.
Lionel Messi (Argentina): Approaching 39, Messi remains unstoppable. His hat-trick against Algeria made him joint top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. He followed up with two more against Austria, setting new records and reinforcing his lead.