# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published July 22, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-world-cup-golden-ball-winner-of-the-21st-century*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Lionel Messi** — score 1000/1000
   The only two-time Golden Ball winner, taking it in 2014 and again while lifting the 2022 trophy.
2. **Luka Modrić** — score 1000/1000
   The 2018 winner who steered underdog Croatia all the way to the final.
3. **Rodri** — score 886/1000
   The 2026 winner, the engine of Spain's world-champion midfield.
4. **Diego Forlán** — score 450/1000
   The 2010 winner who fired unfancied Uruguay to the semi-finals.
5. **Zinedine Zidane** — score 250/1000
   The 2006 winner, voted best player even after his final ended with a red card.

Tags: football, players, world cup, awards