Ten interesting facts about the "Golden Ball", which is awarded by the French magazine "France Football", initiate the discussion about the winner of the 2024 year. According to the leaks, the main favorite this time is considered to be Spanish midfielder "Manchester City" Rodri, who outperformed Brazilian Vinicius Junior from "Real Madrid". However, details of the decision will only be known today at 10:00 AM UTC.
Here are ten remarkable facts about the "Golden Ball": 1. Lionel Messi from Argentina holds the record for the most titles ("Golden Ball" with eight of them). 2. Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal is the most frequent participant of this award. 3. Stanley Matthews from England is the oldest winner (41 years and 10 months), and Messi (36 years and 4 months) remains the second oldest winner. 4. German defender Franz Beckenbauer is the only player to win the "Golden Ball" twice - in 1972 and 1976. 5. Brazilian Ronaldo is the youngest winner in history (21 years and 3 months). 6. Goalkeeper Lev Yashin received the "Golden Ball" in 1963. 7. George Weah is the first non-European and African to win this award. 8. The most successful country regarding the number of "Golden Balls" is Argentina with its leader Lionel Messi (8 times), followed by Portugal and the Netherlands. 9. Messi is the only player who has won the "Golden Ball" four consecutive times (2009-2012). 10. Messi holds the record for the wins in different years, as well as in the most editions and appearances in the list of best players.
