A.PAES / Shutterstock.com
1332
As we near the end of the Qatar World Cup, it’s almost time to crown the 2022 champions. Additionally, FIFA are preparing to hand out the Golden Ball award to the best player at this year’s tournament.
From Diego Maradona to Zinedine Zidane, only the game’s greatest names scoop the prize. Lionel Messi claimed the award back in 2014 before Luka Modric triumphed in Russia four years ago.
Antoine Griezmann cautions France to be wary of Messi ? #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 15, 2022
Will Messi become the first player in history to win two Golden Balls? Or could another standout star take the acclaim? Let’s take a look at the top contenders ahead of Sunday’s final.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Messi has been nothing short of immense in Qatar, bagging five goals and three assists in six appearances.
After scoring and assisting against Croatia in the semi-finals, the legendary forward will almost certainly win the Golden Ball if he fires Argentina to glory on Sunday.
Kylian Mbappe – France
Having registered five goals and two assists, Kylian Mbappe finds himself just behind Messi on the Golden Boot leaderboard.
Although the France superstar has failed to score or assist in the past two games, he could easily light up the final and claim the Golden Ball.
Sofyan Amrabat – Morocco
It would be something of a surprise if the Golden Ball was awarded to a player who didn’t feature in the final, but Sofyan Amrabat wouldn’t be an unworthy recipient of the prize.
The dynamic midfielder was arguably Morocco’s best player as they became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Antoine Griezmann – France
Antoine Griezmann has yet to score a goal in Qatar, but many believe that he has been France’s best player – despite Mbappe’s exploits.
The Atletico Madrid star has reinvited himself in a deeper role, controlling games behind the forward line. He has also chipped in with three assists, including two against England in the quarter-finals.
Julian Alvarez – Argentina
Julian Alvarez was a substitute for Argentina’s first two games. However, the Manchester City man is now one of his team’s most important players.
After scoring against Poland and Australia, the 22-year-old grabbed two goals and an assist as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals. He could claim the Golden Ball if he stars on Sunday.
Olivier Giroud – France
Having become France’s all-time leading goalscorer, Olivier Giroud is certainly in with a shout of winning the Golden Ball in Qatar.
The veteran striker bagged a brace against Australia before scoring against Poland and England. If he shines in the final, he could get his hands on the award.
