Which player deserves the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup?

One thing is certain: the Ballon d'Or winner must be one of the four outstanding teams – France, Belgium, England, and Croatia – that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and made a significant contribution to their respective teams. The candidates have two more matches to compete for this important individual award in their playing careers.

The Ballon d'Or precedent

Many people believe that the Golden Ball should go to the champion, but that's not actually the case. According to FIFA statistics, since the 1998 World Cup, the "Golden Ball" has never gone to the winning team. At France 98, despite Brazil's humiliating 0-3 defeat to France, "The Phenomenon" Ronaldo was the one who won the award.

Modric's performance after the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Photo: Internet

Four years later, at the 2002 World Cup in Asia, Ronaldo's defeated opponent in the final, German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, was once again the recipient of this honor, despite making mistakes on both goals conceded against the Selecao in the final. Once again, the Golden Ball went to a player from the losing team in the final..

Everyone remembers the Italian team playing in the 2006 World Cup, but the Golden Ball award that year went to the captain of the French team.Zinedine Zidane. The reason this talented midfielder was awarded the title despite headbutting Marco Materazzi in the final was because the voting ended in the first period of extra time (105th minute), and it wasn't until 4 minutes later that Zizou committed the headbutt on the Italian player.

In South Africa in 2010, the "Golden Ball" award even went to Diego Forlan of Uruguay, whose team finished fourth, despite not having played in the final. No one thought the title would slip from the grasp of Wesley Sneijder – the captain of the Netherlands – or Xavi – the heart of Spain.

These are two exceptionally talented teams from the summer in South Africa, both reaching the final. FIFA completely avoided any controversy between Spain and the Netherlands, as both of their star players were simply outstanding.

Most recently, at the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, this title went to Lionel Messi, who was also defeated by Germany in the final at the Maracana stadium.

For the past two decades, FIFA has consistently offered the "World Cup Golden Ball" as an individual award recognizing contributions to the development of football.

Therefore, the organizing committee's approach is to "not put all your eggs in one basket," meaning players from the winning team have little chance of receiving this award. Perhaps that's why there's very little debate about the accuracy of the voting (unlike the prestigious European Golden Ball).

Who will win?The Golden Ball?

If France had a well-balanced squad, without any standout individual who could determine the team's path, then...Belgium, England, and Croatia have decisive stars.

Modric deserves to be the brightest star, the true leader of the team.Croatia.Photo: Internet

After 20 years, the Croatian national team is once again in the semi-finals of a World Cup after defeating host nation Russia in a penalty shootout.In the Croatian squad,Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic are indeed excellent players, but neither has ever created the kind of game-changing moments for Croatia that Suarez did for Uruguay in South Africa (his brace against South Korea).

With 2 goals, 1 assist, and being voted Man of the Match in 3 out of 5 games, playmaker Modric is demonstrating his significant influence on the team's performance, rightfully earning his place as Croatia's brightest star and true leader.

Modric's rivals, Hazard and De Bruyne of Belgium, and Kane of England, are all equally matched. If they continue to shine in the semi-final and the subsequent match, they could still win this prestigious individual award.

But Croatia is considered the weakest team in the semi-finals, so does that give the 33-year-old midfielder a slight advantage?