It’s time to hand out the awards for the last season. Of course, we are talking about the Golden Ball. Let’s note that the award will only cover performance during one season, not a calendar year, as was the case in previous years.
This was done in order to avoid the various controversies that occurred in the years after us. Lists of nominated players have also been published.
Let’s start with the “Golden Ball – Cup” award, which is awarded to the best young player under the age of 21 and where Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham is the absolute favorite for the award.
Besides him, the list also includes Gavi, Pedri, Balde (Barcelona), Eduardo Kamawinga (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Xavi Simmons (Paris Saint-Germain), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Rasmus Heilund (Manchester United) and Elje Vahi (Lance).
The main competition for Bellingham will be represented by teammate Kamawinga, who became the vice-champion of the world with France. The trio of Barcelona also has a solid chance, although it seems that it would be a sin for anyone other than the Englishman to win the prize.
In addition to the award for the best young player, the list of candidates for the “Golden Ball – Lav Jašin” trophy for the best goalkeeper was also announced.
On it are: Marc Andre Ter Stegen (Barcelona), Dominik Livakovic (Fenerbahce), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Mike Magnan (Milan), Yassin Bono (Al Hilal). , Andre Onana (Manchester United), Ederson (Manchester City) and Brice Samba (Lens).
The competition for Golden Ball here is already fiercer and the real question is which criteria will be adopted. It probably seems most logical that Ederson, who won the triple crown with Manchester City, should receive the award.
We must not forget Yassin Bono’s games at the World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco was the most pleasant surprise of the tournament. The same goes for Dominik Livaković, who guarded Croatia whenever needed.
