Please enter more than 2 characters!

2022 World Cup Golden Ball Betting | Odds & Predictions

Steven D. Thompson

Updated:

The 2022 World Cup offers a fantastic range of wagering opportunities, such as betting on the WC best player award - the first choice for seasoned punters. Like top scorer wagers, Golden Ball bets allow you to profit from the performances of individual players. Learn more about the World Cup Golden Ball betting market, get the best picks and find some good value odds right here at Betpack.

Ad Disclosure: Betpack is an affiliate website. We may earn commission if you register to a bookmaker via links on our platform. Learn more information and please gamble responsibly

Clear All

Filter

Mobile filter Close icon
Apply Filters
New Bonus New Bonus
Everygame
Excellent

Rating:

10/10

Excellent
Gift
Welcome offer 100% up to $500
Play Now Everygame Review
Pros
  • The sign-up offer gives you bonus funds on your first three deposits.
  • Wide range of bonuses for existing customers.
  • Many pre-match betting markets to choose from.
Cons
  • You can make only one withdrawal request in seven days.
  • No mobile betting app.
  • No live streaming.

Odds Margin: 93%

Extra Features: Casino, Tournaments, VIP Programme

Payment Methods: American Express, Bitcoin, ecoPayz, Litecoin, MasterCard, Paysafecard, Visa

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

Trusted Trusted
BetUS
Splendid

Rating:

7/10

Splendid
Gift
Sports Welcome Bonus 125% up to $2,000
Play Now BetUS Review
Pros
  • The loyalty program gives enticing rewards to regular bettors.
  • Cryptocurrency transactions offer various perks.
  • 24/7 phone, email, and live chat support.
Cons
  • Small withdrawal fee.
  • No live streaming.
  • There could be more betting markets.

Odds Margin: 95%

Extra Features: Bonuses, Tournaments, Cash Out Func., Live Streaming, Odds Boost, VIP Programme

Payment Methods: American Express, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, MasterCard, Visa

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

Popular Popular
Bets.io
Splendid

Rating:

6.63/10

Splendid
Gift
AllWin Deposit Bonus 50 USDT
Play Now Bets.io Review
Pros
  • Crypto-friendly sportsbook
  • Fast withdrawals
  • No payment fees
Cons
  • No phone support

Odds Margin: 93%

Extra Features: Bonuses, Casino, Mobile App, VIP Programme

Payment Methods: Binance Pay, Bitcoin, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, Sticpay, Tether

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

Great Deal Great Deal
Jackbit
Splendid

Rating:

6.5/10

Splendid
Gift
Welcome offer 100% up to $100
Play Now Jackbit Review
Pros
  • Easy to navigate
  • Cryptocurrencies supported
  • High maximum cashout
Cons
  • No mobile application
  • Promo offers could be better

Odds Margin: 92%

Extra Features: Bonuses, Tournaments, Casino, Cash Out Func., VIP Programme

Payment Methods: Bitcoin, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, MasterCard, Monero, Ripple, Solana, Tether, Visa

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

Popular Popular
BetOnline
Splendid

Rating:

6.4/10

Splendid
Gift
Sports Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250 Free Bet + 100 FS
Play Now BetOnline Review
Pros
  • Instant deposits and withdrawals with cryptocurrencies
  • Different types of sports betting bonuses
  • Betting markets for the most popular sports
Cons
  • Payment method restrictions
  • Player restrictions in some countries
  • Withdrawal charges

Odds Margin: 92%

Extra Features: Bonuses, Casino, Live Streaming, Tournaments, VIP Programme

Payment Methods: American Express, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, MasterCard, Person to Person, Ripple, Solana, Tether, Visa

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&C’s apply

Table of Contents

    Golden Ball vs Golden Boot

    The Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards are given to exceptional football players. But what's the difference between them? We list the similarities and differences between the two awards and help you place more educated Golden Ball bets.

    Golden Ball

    • Given to the best player of the tournament - the technical committee creates a shortlist, and representatives of the media vote

    • The award was first instituted at the 1982 World Cup

    • Previous winners include goalkeepers (Oliver Kahn), midfielders (Luka Modric), and forwards (Lionel Messi)

    • You can bet on who the winner will be

    Golden Boot

    • Awarded to the player who scores the most goals

    • Top scorers were ranked since the 1930s, but the Golden Boot award was officially introduced in 1982

    • It is usually forwards who win the award e.g. England's Harry Kane, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller

    • You can place Golden Boot bets too

    2022 World Cup Best Player Betting: Favourites & Odds

    Mbappe is the bookies' favourite and leads all World Cup Best Player betting markets (early odds) for this historic tournament which will be played in the middle of the season for the biggest European football leagues. If you back him, you can expect to get Golden Ball World Cup odds of around 7.00. If you are looking for players priced higher, Harry Kane, as well as Neymar, Benzema, and Messi will do the trick. Cristiano Ronaldo is a really good value bet and he is one of the favourites to win the illustrious World Cup accolade. Then again, it could be one of the goalkeepers, defenders or midfielders as well to win it.

    2022 World Cup Golden Ball Betting Odds:

    To Win Rizk Betsson

    Kylian Mbappé

    7.00

    7.00

    Harry Kane

    10.00

    10.00

    Karim Benzema

    12.00

    12.00

    Lionel Messi

    12.00

    12.00

    Neymar

    12.00

    12.00

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    14.00

    14.00

    Kevin de Bruyne

    15.00

    15.00

    Gabriel Jesus

    15.00

    15.00

    Luka Modric

    17.00

    17.00

    Angel Di Maria

    20.00

    20.00

    Bruno Fernandes

    20.00

    20.00

    Leroy Sané

    20.00

    20.00

    Vinicius

    20.00

    20.00

    Christian Eriksen

    25.00

    25.00

    Roberto Firmino

    25.00

    25.00

    Serge Gnabry

    25.00

    25.00

    Son Heung-min

    25.00

    25.00

    Robert Lewandowski

    25.00

    25.00

    Romelu Lukaku

    25.00

    25.00

    Lautaro Martinez

    25.00

    25.00

    Jadon Sancho

    25.00

    25.00

    Raheem Sterling

    25.00

    25.00

    Sadio Mane

    30.00

    30.00

    Álvaro Morata

    35.00

    35.00

    Memphis Depay

    40.00

    40.00

    Paulo Dybala

    40.00

    40.00

    Antoine Griezmann

    40.00

    40.00

    Sergej Milinkovic Savic

    40.00

    40.00

    Thomas Müller

    40.00

    40.00

    Tammy Abraham

    50.00

    50.00

    Eden Hazard

    50.00

    50.00

    Diogo Jota

    50.00

    50.00

    Ivan Perisic

    50.00

    50.00

    Paul Pogba

    50.00

    50.00

    Christian Pulisic

    50.00

    50.00

    Richarlison

    50.00

    50.00

    Dusan Vlahovic

    50.00

    50.00

    Timo Werner

    50.00

    50.00

    Hakim Ziyech

    50.00

    50.00

    Kasper Dolberg

    75.00

    75.00

    Yussuf Poulsen

    75.00

    75.00

    Ante Rebić

    75.00

    75.00

    Gareth Bale

    100.00

    100.00

    Martin Braithwaite

    100.00

    100.00

    Marcus Rashford

    100.00

    100.00

    How to Bet on Golden Ball Award

    Are you checking out World Cup best player betting markets? That's great. We do that all the time ourselves. However, now is the right time to transition from looking at World Cup Golden Ball betting markets to wagering on them. In four simple steps, learn how to bet on the WC Best Player award:

    • Estimated Time Needed: 00:04
    • Tools Needed: Account
    • Supplies Needed: Time, Money
    Shortlist the Best Players on betpack Step 1

    Step 1: Shortlist the Best Players

    First, draw up a bunch of players you think will be in the running for the 2022 World Cup Best Player award. This group will probably include players such as permanent Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe and arguably the best player in the English Premier League - Kevin De Bruyne. It will also likely feature serial Ballon d'Or winners C. Ronaldo and L. Messi - the latter being the man who hopes to lead Argentina to World Cup glory.

    Make Your Pick on betpack Step 2

    Step 2: Make Your Pick 

    The next step is to pick the player you will back. Before going for one individual, though, think of how many games he will take part in. The more matches the player appears in, the better his chances of being selected as the best player of the WC. Most Golden Ball Winners reach the final or at least the semi-finals of the World Cup and play six or seven games.

    Find the Best Odds at betpack Step 3

    Step 3: Find the Best Odds

    Now that you have picked your player, find the bookmaker that gives you the best value. Our advice is to go with one of the top betting sites we feature and see which one gives you enticing betting WC best player odds. You will probably find several bookmakers with pretty high World Cup Golden Ball betting returns at Betpack, so pick the bookie that seems like a good fit.

    Place Your Golden Ball Bet Step 4

    Step 4: Place Your Golden Ball Bet

    The time has come for you to place your Golden Ball bet. Go to the Sports section in your selected bookie's website/application, pick Football, and click on World Cup. Once there, you will see different World Cup betting markets. Click on Outrights and find the World Cup Best Player betting market. Click on the odds next to the player you want to back and place your bet. Good luck!

    History of the WC Golden Ball Award

    The Golden Ball was first introduced at the 1982 World Cup in Spain and Paolo Rossi was the winner. In 1986, the legendary Diego Maradona won the award after he guided Argentina to the WC trophy, whereas in 1990, Salvatore Schillaci won the Best Player WC award representing hosts Italy.

    Two star players from Brazil, Romario and Ronaldo won the Golden Ball WC award in the finals of 1994 and 1998, while goalkeeper Oliver Kahn from Germany took the award home in 2002. Former Real Madrid player and coach and leader of the French national team, Zinedine Zidane, won the Golden Ball in 2006, followed by Diego Forlan (2010), Lionel Messi (2014), and Luka Modric (2018).

    Golden Ball Award vs France Football Ballon d'Or

    The Golden Ball and France Football Ballon d'Or awards are given to the best football players. However, there's one big difference between them. The Golden Ball WC award is given to the best footballer in each of the World Cups, where players represent their nations. As we already mentioned, for this award, the technical committee shortlist the best footballers and the media vote and name the winner.

    In contrast, France Football's award is intended for the player who performed the best during the season and is given for international and club achievements. For instance, the French football magazine gave the award to C. Ronaldo in 2017 because he was the best player for the Los Blancos, scored a lot of important goals, and his team were the champions of Europe.

    Our Prediction for the World Cup 2022 Best Player

    Kylian Mbappe is the favourite to win the WC Best Player award and also leads the pack when it comes to how bookies see the situation. However, he is not our pick to be the winner of the much-coveted award because we feel he is still not the leader of his national team. We would much rather go with C. Ronaldo. The Portuguese star collected the EURO 2020 Top Goal Scorer award and notched five goals. Ronaldo's game is second to none, and since this could be his last big international tournament, we think he will go all in and will top betting WC Best Player charts.

    Could Messi Win It?

    If you agree with many bookies and see La Albiceleste as one of the favourites, Lionel Messi might just end up being selected as the most valuable player in Qatar. He was able to do it in Copa America, and even though the stakes are even bigger now, he has shown his doubters that he can deliver on the international level as well. On top of his ability to score, Messi is nowadays a well-seasoned playmaker as well, and that increases his possibility to win this respected individual award if Argentina goes far in the WC 2022.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Likely to Win the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot?

    There are several World Cup Golden Ball betting favourites, and each one comes in with a decent chance to win the award. Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Brazil duo Neymar and Gabriel Jesus all have the chance to be the winner.

    Are the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot the Same?

    No, they aren't. The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals at the World Cup. In contrast, the Golden Ball is given to the player who the technical committee and the media think performed the best during the World Cup.

    Who is the Favourite in World Cup Best Player Betting Markets?

    According to bookmakers, Kylian Mbappe (France) has the best chance to win the award and has the lowest Golden Ball odds. Other World Cup Golden Ball betting front runners include Harry Kane (England), Neymar (Brazil), Karim Benzema (France), Messi (Argentina), and a couple of more best players in the world.

    Our odds and reviews have been featured in:
    Sigma Logo Business.com Logo ESPN Logo Bloomberg Logo The Wall Street Journal Logo
    Everygame
    10
    Rating
    100% up to $500
    Welcome Bonus
    Play Now