World Cup 2026 Golden Ball favourites led by Yamal, Kane and Mbappé

The 2026 World Cup is underway and attention is turning to the Golden Ball, voted for by media representatives to recognise the tournament's most impactful and all-round performers. While strikers have often won the prize, midfielders and even a goalkeeper have been honoured; past recipients include Paolo Rossi, Diego Maradona, Salvatore Schillaci, Romario, Ronaldo, Oliver Kahn, Zinedine Zidane, Diego Forlan, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric.

Several high-profile names head the pre-tournament lists. Lamine Yamal arrives off a La Liga title with Barcelona and a decisive role in Spain’s Euro 2024 run; if he were to win he would be the first teenager to claim the Golden Ball. Harry Kane brings 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich and recent hot form for England, while Kylian Mbappé — a proven World Cup performer and both Champions League and La Liga top scorer last season — remains a major threat.

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