Surely winning the FIFA World Cup with your country is the highest honour for a sportsman. And yet the delicate intricacy is that to do so often requires individual performances that blow your mind!
The Golden Ball is a trophy which is awarded to the best player during a particular FIFA World Cup. It’s an honour not necessarily measured by goals scored but rather adjudicated on the influence a particular player has had on their team’s success.
Usually, the player wins the World Cup – or at the very least reaches the final. Lionel Messi was awarded the trophy in 2014 for his efforts and contribution to Argentina’s tournament although they lost to Germany in the final.
Let’s have a look at my objective predictions for the 2022 tournament and see if we can narrow them down to a winner!
The Contenders:
Kevin de Bruyne 14/1
Should Belgium reach their first final, it would go without saying that Kevin De Bruyne would have to play a massive part in it. He has been selected to be a part of the Champions League team of the season for the last five years – but at City winning that trophy as also eluded the talented midfielder.
The Red Devils have stuttered and stumbled at international events recently, and the reality is, the cause for concern is inextricably linked to the firepower they possess. Eden Hazard, Youri Tielemans, Yannick Carrasco and Michy Batshuayi are but some names which will feature for the Belgians this year…the fact that they find it difficult to compete is embarrassing.
Lionel Messi 12/1
This is likely to be Lionel Messi’s final FIFA World Cup contribution for his beloved Argentina. Is this their year? Will they finally get over the line and win the greatest international prize in world football? Well, should they get into a position to do so – Messi is certainly to have had a huge influence.
The attacking forward has almost been reborn in his national role, he looks happy, the environment is positive, and the Argentine squad is incredibly competitive. Argentina won the Copa America before beating Italy in La Finalissima at Wembley. Messi is a winner – simple as that. Yes, the World Cup has alluded him but if there is anyone who not only knows how to win, but how to get a team over the line, its Lionel Messi.
Argentina should be eyeing at the latter stages of tournament and if they are to reach the business end, you’d certainly want your money to be placed on the little maestro to come away with yet another Golden Ball award.
Neymar 14/1
This is an interesting one…only because I think Neymar wins this should Brazil reach the final and complete the popular France v Brazil final many are predicting. Outside of Diego Forlan in 2010 the winners of the Golden Ball going back to 1998 have all been finalists.
It is true that winning the award is as much about narrative and media attention as it is about contributions on the field – and I say that without taking anything away from the coveted prize!
Neymar could be a shrewd pick, with the groups set up as they are Brazil and Germany may meet in the quarter-finals of this World Cup. You better believe that revenge for that 7-1 thrashing is on their mind and should Neymar and Brazil check that off and move on to the semi-final – Argentina might await.
Again, the narrative is Neymar and Messi – should Brazil then subsequently progress all the way to the final, I suspect the Golden Ball might be his even before the final is contested!
Notable mentions:
Kylian Mbappe 10/1
Karim Benzema 10/1
Harry Kane 14/1
Cristiano Ronaldo 20/1
Sadio Mane 66/1
Prediction: Lionel Messi (12/1)
It’s his swansong World Cup, the final time surely. I just think there is something almost written in the stars about Argentina and Messi’s World Cup run this year. Their team is competitive (for sure), they seem to have a collectiveness about them, the energy seems really focused but also enjoyable…these are certainly factors you’d want associated with your team before the World Cup gets underway in Qatar.
At 12/1 would you really turn down one of the best players to have ever played the game?
Ryan Liberty
@Mr_R_Liberty