FIFA – Qatar 2022 – Golden Ball a consolation prize?
by Kapil Khera
FIFA World Cup 2022 |Lionel Messi also broke a jinx associated with the award:
While becoming the first player to win the Golden Ball in two editions of the World Cup, he also broke a jinx associated with the award: in the previous six editions of the World Cup, it was won by a player from either the runners-up or losing semifinalists.
The Golden Ball since 1998
In the 1998 World Cup, Brazil’s Ronaldo powered his team into the final. However, Zinedine Zidane’s clutch play in the final led to hosts France claiming the title with a 3-0 win and Ronaldo had to settle for the runners-up prize along with Golden Ball.
It was redemption time for Ronaldo at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. With eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, he starred in Brazil’s fifth World Cup success. However, Golden Ball went to German captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn who conceded only three goals in the tournament
In the 2006 final, the stage was set for Zidane to win the double of Golden Ball and the winners’ trophy. Then, he lost his head, headbutted Marco Materazzi and was sent off before the penalty shootout, which France went on to lose against Italy. Zidane claimed Golden Ball but on a sombre note..
Source : https://indianexpress.com