Who is the best World Cup Golden Ball winner of the 21st century?

A losing goalkeeper, a headbutt, an underdog captain and back-to-back geniuses — the best player of each tournament, judged against each other. Who stands tallest?

1. 1
   Lionel Messi

   The only two-time Golden Ball winner, taking it in 2014 and again while lifting the 2022 trophy.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Luka Modrić

   The 2018 winner who steered underdog Croatia all the way to the final.
   1000pts
3. 3
   Rodri

   The 2026 winner, the engine of Spain's world-champion midfield.
   886pts
4. 4
   Diego Forlán

   The 2010 winner who fired unfancied Uruguay to the semi-finals.
   450pts
5. 5
   Zinedine Zidane

   The 2006 winner, voted best player even after his final ended with a red card.
   250pts