FIFA Golden Ball Betting Tips: Who Will Be Named Player of the Tournament?

Over the years there has been some amazing talent that has scooped the Golden Ball, many players having won the tournament, others falling just short, with players such as Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Romario and Diego Maradona having picked up the gong for best player in the past.

Last time out, it was Luka Modric, who helped take his Croatia side all the way to the World Cup Final and once again there are plenty of stars in the running to collect it this time around.

For some, it could be the last opportunity to win such an honour at a World Cup, while for others it could be the beginning of a very special career. The bookies are already offering their odds on who will take the award, and we’re always interested in what they have to say.

So, who are the players tipped for greatness this tournament? We run down the odds with Paddy Power…

 

Lionel Messi – 10/1

Qatar 2022 will undoubtedly be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup tournament, and he’s the favourite to take the award according to Paddy Power at 10/1. Argentina have a good chance of winning the competition, and will certainly be worth a free bet, and if they do, Messi will have no doubt played a large part in that. 

 

Neymar – 10/1

At age 30, it could very well be Neymar’s last World Cup too given the strength of attacking young talent in the current Brazil set-up and the PSG star is joint favourite to win the Golden Ball. 

Brazil are one of the favourites for the tournament and the form of Neymar will be incredibly important to any success they do have, as well as being a contender for the Golden Boot too. 

 

Kylian Mbappe – 10/1

It’s a PSG trio at 10/1 with Mbappe joining the elder statesmen as joint favourite to be named the best player of the tournament. He finished outside the top three in the last World Cup, and will be keen to make his mark on this tournament, particularly following the way they crashed out of the Euros.

We all know what Mbappe can do, and a big tournament for the youngster is only going to catapult him to even greater heights.

 

Karim Benzema – 12/1 

Karim Benzema is really enjoying the twilight of his career, having lifted the Ballon d’Or recently and scoring goals for fun in La Liga and the Champions League for Real Madrid.

France are being tipped by many to struggle after their recent European Championship and Nations League campaigns, but if Benzema is firing on all cylinders then we could witness a very special team.

 

Harry Kane – 14/1

Both Benzema and Harry Kane will be fighting for the Golden Boot, but the Golden Ball may be a tough ask for the England poacher. The Three Lions captain should navigate Group B, but the country’s recent form could suggest that the supply line may not be at its most proficient for Kane to really showcase his talent and be a Golden Ball contender.

 

Kevin De Bruyne –  14/1

Joining Kane at 14/1 with Paddy Power is Kevin De Bruyne, one of the world’s best players at present. He’s part of a strong, but ageing, Belgium side and how well they do will very much be dependent on what sort of mood De Bruyne is in. For Manchester City he’s able to grab games by the scruff of the neck and create chances out of nowhere. If he can replicate that for Belgium, 14/1 seems very generous odds indeed for the legendary midfielder.

 

The Best of the Rest

Elsewhere, there are plenty of other players looking to make their mark on the tournament, and Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly be one of them. He’s priced at 33/1, despite being in a strong Portugal side, while Vinicius Junior could be a young gun who makes an impession priced at 16/1.

Other contenders include Gabriel Jesus (33/1) Raphinha (33/1)  and Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, both of whom are priced at 40/1.

 

World Cup Golden Ball Tip

LIONEL MESSI – The footballing legend could secure the fairytale end to his World Cup career by winning the tournament with Argentina but even if he doesn’t lift the trophy next month, he still has a good chance of winning the player of the tournament accolade if Argentina go deep into the tournament.

Messi is our World Cup top goalscorer tip for the competition and in what looks like a favourable group, Messi could bag himself a few goals and get off to a good start.

At odds of 10/1, Messi is our World Cup Golden Ball prediction and you could use the Paddy Power sign-up offer to get a £20 cash offer if your first bet loses.

 

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