Beyond the world cup trophy: Race begins for football’s golden crowns

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaching its climax, the race for the tournament’s top individual honours has entered its final stage. As Argentina and Spain prepare for the grand final, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and several other stars remain in contention for the prestigious Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Golden Glove awards.

The World Cup final will be played between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 1:00am Bangladesh time on Monday. Alongside the world champions’ crown, FIFA will also announce the winners of six individual awards, with the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Golden Glove being the most coveted honours.

Golden Boot: Mbappe Holds Advantage Over Messi

The FIFA Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s highest goal scorer. France captain Kylian Mbappe, who won the award after scoring eight goals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is once again the leading contender this year.

Mbappe currently tops the scoring chart with 10 goals and four assists, while Argentina captain Lionel Messi has scored eight goals and provided four assists. Messi was previously ahead of Mbappe due to having the same number of goals but fewer minutes played and other tie-breaking factors.

However, Mbappe moved ahead after scoring twice in the third-place play-off against England, strengthening his position in the Golden Boot race.

According to FIFA’s tie-breaking rules, if players finish with equal goals, assists will be considered first, followed by fewer minutes played. Mbappe remains in a favourable position in both categories.

For Messi to overtake Mbappe, he will need a remarkable performance in the final. The Argentine star must score at least three goals or score twice while also providing an assist to claim the Golden Boot.

Current Golden Boot Race:

Kylian Mbappe (France): 10 goals, 4 assists

Lionel Messi (Argentina): 8 goals, 4 assists

Golden Ball: Messi, Mbappe Among Top Contenders

The Golden Ball is awarded to the best player of the World Cup. Messi won the award in Qatar 2022 after guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years.

FIFA’s Technical Study Group prepares a shortlist of candidates, while accredited media representatives vote to determine the winner. The second and third-best players receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball respectively.

Introduced in 1978, the Golden Ball has also been won by players whose teams failed to lift the trophy. Zinedine Zidane in 2006, Lionel Messi in 2014 and Luka Modric in 2018 are notable examples.

Messi remains the only player to win the Golden Ball twice and is again among the favourites at the age of 39. His main challengers include Mbappe and his Argentina teammate Michael Olise.

Other players in contention include England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Norway’s Erling Haaland and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

Golden Glove: Goalkeepers Battle for Top Honour

The Golden Glove is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the tournament based on overall impact, crucial saves and clean-sheet record.

Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the award in 2022 after playing a key role in their title triumph. The honour was introduced in 1994 and was known as the Lev Yashin Award until 2010.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as one of the standout performers this tournament after producing several stunning saves. His performances have earned widespread praise, with reports also linking him with interest from Inter Miami.

Other goalkeepers who impressed include Uruguay’s Orlando Gil, Portugal’s Diogo Costa, Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir.

As Argentina and Spain prepare for the final showdown, the battle for individual glory is expected to add another layer of excitement to the biggest match of world football.

-HIS