Updated favorites in the Golden Ball race have been released, reshaping expectations ahead of the tournament’s climax. The list reflects ongoing assessments by analysts who track form, influence, and consistency across fixtures, offering fans a current sense of who could lift football’s most coveted individual prize this season.
Leading the pack is Lionel Messi, the iconic forward from PSG and the Argentina national team. As Argentina pushed through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi’s leadership and technical brilliance were pivotal. The team surged into the semi-finals, setting up a dramatic clash with Croatia as they chased a second consecutive final appearance on the world stage.
In second place sits Kylian Mbappe, the dynamic PSG winger whose performances for France have continued to captivate fans around the globe. Mbappe has repeatedly demonstrated explosive speed, precise finishing, and a nose for important goals in the World Cup run, with France preparing to contest a halves-final duel against Morocco in the late stages of the tournament.
Rounding out the top three is Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker who has been tearing through defences with Manchester City. Since his move from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has maintained remarkable scoring form, contributing goals and assists that reinforce his status as one of the game’s most feared forwards, even amid a crowded shootout of world-class attackers in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
The current holder of football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or is Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid striker who was forced to miss the World Cup due to an injury setback. Benzema’s title defense has left a gap in the lineup, changing the dynamics of the award conversation as fans reassess who might claim the prize based on recent performances and impact rather than just past achievements.
Earlier discussions noted that a well-known former international player had weighed in on the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia, highlighting Lionel Messi as a deserving winner if the tournament’s outcome hinges on individual brilliance and decisive moments on the biggest stage. These perspectives underscore how Messi’s artistry, consistency, and leadership are central to the ongoing debate about the world’s best player this season.