2022 World Cup Golden Ball Winner Odds and Picks

Four years ago, Luka Modric won the Golden Ball award after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia. With the 2022 World Cup right around the corner, it’s time to predict who will be crowned as the tournament’s best player in Qatar.

World Cup Bookmakers

Legendary names such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Oliver Kahn and Zinedine Zidane have scooped the prize over the years. Who will secure the silverware this time around? Let’s analyze the top contenders and potential sleepers.

Top Contenders for the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball

It only makes sense to start by looking at the bookmakers’ favorites. Lionel Messi is the pre-tournament frontrunner, with Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema also in the mix.

Lionel Messi (+750)

Messi won the Golden Ball back in 2014 after leading Argentina to the World Cup final in South Africa. Having failed to fire his country to glory on that occasion, he will be desperate to make amends this year.

The iconic forward racked up four goals and five assists en route to lifting the Copa America trophy last year. During the first phase of the current campaign, he bagged 12 goals and 14 assists for Paris Saint- Germain. Pretty impressive, right?

Neymar (+900)

Like Messi, Neymar has enjoyed plenty of success with PSG this season – registering 15 goals and 12 assists in the lead-up to the World Cup. If he carries his domestic form onto the international stage, he will surely challenge for the Golden Ball.

Brazil is the bookies’ favorite to go all the way in Qatar, meaning Neymar will likely carry his country deep into the tournament. Ultimately, more game time means more opportunities to shine.

Kylian Mbappe (+900)

Funnily enough, Mbappe is the third PSG player on this list. Even though Messi and Neymar dominated numerous games during the first phase of the season, Mbappe still managed to chalk up 19 goals and five assists.

Let’s not forget that Mbappe scored in the 2018 World Cup final before receiving the FIFA Young Player Award for his troubles. With four extra years of experience in the bank, he could go one better this time around.

Karim Benzema (+1200)

Granted, Mbappe is France’s poster boy, but Benzema will fancy his chances of outperforming Mbappe in Qatar. After all, the prolific Real Madrid striker heads into the World Cup as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.

Benzema has scored goals for fun throughout his career, but the 34-year-old has taken his game to another level in recent times. Benzema’s price of +1200 to win the Golden Ball is bound to attract plenty of attention.

Guide to the 2022 World Cup

2022 World Cup Golden Ball Sleepers to Consider

The Golden Ball odds range from +750 to +6600, meaning there is no shortage of betting value on offer. Accordingly, it’s worth considering a couple of high-priced outsiders who have the potential to win the award.

Phil Foden (+3300)

Few would argue that Phil Foden is not among the most talented young players on the planet. The 22- year-old Manchester City star looks destined to light up the World Cup and could win the Golden Ball if England go far.

Pedri (+5000)

On the topic of talented young players, let’s talk about Pedri. At just 19, the Spaniard already has 93 Barcelona appearances and 14 international caps under his belt. He is expected to shine for La Roja in Qatar.

2022 World Cup Golden Ball Predictions

Mbappe was just 19 when he lit up the 2018 World Cup. Four years later, the phenomenal Frenchman is more than ready to swap the FIFA Young Player Award for the Golden Ball.

Of course, Messi, Neymar and Benzema all stand a solid chance of winning the award, but they are arguably past their best. On the flip side, Mbappe is only 23 and is performing at the peak of his powers right now.

Best Bet: Kylian Mbappe to Win the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball (+900)

2022 World Cup Picks

2022 World Cup Golden Ball Betting Lines

Lionel Messi +750

Neymar +900

Kylian Mbappe +900

Karim Benzema +1200

Kevin De Bruyne +1400

Harry Kane +1400

Vinicius Junior +1600

Raphinha +2500

Cristiano Ronaldo +2500

Phil Foden +3300

Richarlison +3300

Raheem Sterling +3300

Lautaro Martinez +4000

Antoine Griezmann +4000

Romelu Lukaku +4500

Bernardo Silva +4500

Bukayo Saka +5000

Thomas Muller +5000

Serge Gnabry +5000

Frenkie de Jong +5000

Jude Bellingham +5000

Memphis Depay +5000

Pedri +5000

Leroy Sane +5000

Bruno Fernandes +5000

Robert Lewandowski +5000

Eden Hazard +5000

Virgil van Dijk +5000

Luka Modric +6600

Darwin Nunez +6600

Ferran Torres +6600

Alvaro Morata +6600

Kai Havertz +6600

Read our 2022 World Cup Golden Boot picks next.