The World Cup Golden Ball is given to the outstanding player at that edition of the tournament. In most cases, it is given to the most important player of the winning or runner-up team, but in rare cases, it is also given to the player who was by far the best performer at the tournament. Let's take a look at five players who could win the Golden Ball award in Qatar following the final of the 22nd FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: Focal points of selection criteria

The Golden Ball was first given in 1982 to Italian forward Paolo Rossi. Since then, legends such as Diego Maradona, Romario, Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane have claimed the prestigious accolade. In the more recent editions, Diego Forlan, Lionel Messi, and Luka Modric have been the recipients of the award. Who can actually win it this time?

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Judging by the recent winners, the recipient of the award is, nine times out of ten, an attacking player. German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was the only non-attacking player to win the Golden Ball award in 2002, a testament to his brilliance.

In addition, the player's nation must at least reach the semifinals. The player must also be one of the focal points of their team. He could either be their most important player, their top scorer, their most creative player, or the player most likely to get them out of sticky situations.

Five top candidates to win the Golden Ball in FIFA World Cup 2022

Most of the world’s top players will take part in the Qatar World Cup 2022 and will be hoping to give their best efforts during the main event. After taking into account various factors, here are the five players who may win the Golden Ball award in Qatar.

Karim Benzema

King Karim has had a magical year in the world of football. The Ballon d'Or winner will be looking to deliver France their third world cup, and as one of the favorites, France are expected to perform well in Qatar.

Benzema will undoubtedly be one of the key players for Deschamps' team. Although Madrid endured a slow start to the season, the world stage promises renewed motivation for the French talisman. If he can recreate his Madrid heroics for France, that nation could become the first after Brazil in 1966 to defend the title of World Champions.

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Neymar

Brazil are entering the World Cup with an unbeaten qualification run. The Selecao are always expected to go deep into the World Cup, and this might be their best chance after their 7-1 semi-final defeat to the Germans back in 2014. Though Brazil are not a one-man army, Neymar will be one of their most important cogs in Tite's machine.

As already shown in World Cup qualification and the Copa Americas leading up to the World Cup, Neymar has always shown up when it matters most for his country. With 75 goals, he is just 3 goals shy of overtaking Pele as his country's top goal scorer. The boy from Santos could make history in Qatar.

Kevin De Bruyne

Often described as the complete footballer, Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to win the Golden Ball in Qatar if the Red Devils finally come good on their golden generation promise.

The Manchester City midfielder has been in red-hot form this season, with 12 goal contributions in 13 games. One of the best playmakers in the world right now, he will be crucial to Belgian hopes in Qatar.

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Thomas Muller

The Germans had a highly disappointing World Cup in Russia back in 2018. A group stage exit, which was followed by a quarter-final exit at the hands of England in the 2020 Euros. But new coach Hansi Flick is one of the most esteemed coaches at the World Cup, and like always, you can never rule out the Germans.

Thomas Muller will be the most experienced head of the German attack, but that doesn't mean he'll be a liability. Far from it, he loves the World Cup. One of only two players to score more than five goals at consecutive world cups, he won the Silver Ball in Brazil when Germany lifted their fourth world cup back in 2014. If the Germans are to make amends, Muller will have to bring his A game to the cold nights in Qatar.

Lionel Messi

The greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi, will play his final world cup in Qatar, and he himself has promised that he will make this one memorable. Long shackled to the bar set by Diego Maradona by the people in Argentina, Messi finally delivered an international trophy when he won the 2021 Copa America.

Messi came close in 2014 when Argentina reached the final of the World Cup, losing to Germany in extra time. This time, it will be his last dance and his chance to win it all. In the process, he'll become the first player to win the golden ball twice.

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Conclusion

The Golden Ball is probably the most prestigious of all the individual prizes given at the World Cup. Every footballer participating in this year's edition will be dreaming about winning it, but not every player has the potential to do so. The five players mentioned above are the pre-tournament favourites to take home the Golden Ball in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.