Lionel Messi holds the distinction of being the only player to win multiple Golden Balls in FIFA World Cup history. The Argentine star first claimed the tournament’s top individual honor back in 2014 before repeating the feat in 2022.
In 1982, Italian striker Paolo Rossi took home the inaugural prize, followed by Diego Maradona’s top performance in 1986. Subsequent tournaments saw masters of the game like Salvatore Schillaci, Romario, and the phenomenal Ronaldo capture the prestigious individual trophy.
The turn of the century introduced a diverse list of elite talent showcasing their skills under intense pressure. Defying standard trends, German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn secured the honor in 2002, preceding displays by Zinedine Zidane and Diego Forlan.
The table of the Golden Ball winners
Argentina stands alone as the most successful nation in this category, boasting three total titles from two legendary figures. Messi’s double victories combined with Maradona’s unforgettable mid-eighties masterclass give the South American powerhouse an unmatched historical advantage.
Messi at the 2022 WC in Qatar (Getty Images)
| World Cup | Golden Ball |
| 1982 Spain | Paolo Rossi |
| 1986 Mexico | Diego Maradona |
| 1990 Italy | Salvatore Schillaci |
| 1994 United States | Romario |
| 1998 France | Ronaldo |
| 2002 South Korea/Japan | Oliver Kahn |
| 2006 Germany | Zinedine Zidane |
| 2010 South Africa | Diego Forlan |
| 2014 Brazil | Lionel Messi |
| 2018 Russia | Luka Modric |
| 2022 Qatar | Lionel Messi |
| 2026 USA/Canada/Mexico | Rodri |
Brazil and Italy remain firmly tied in the second position, each having produced two unique award winners. The Italian duo of Rossi and Schillaci brought immense pride to their nation during successive tournaments in the eighties and nineties.
