What is the World Cup Golden Ball and who won it last time?

Lionel Messi has had a stellar World Cup (Picture: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The World Cup 2022 final is taking place this afternoon with Argentina and France both vying to win their third title in the competition.

The showpiece event will feature some of the hottest talent in the tournament, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

And once the match has finished at the Lusail Stadium, FIFA will present the Golden Ball trophy to one luck player.

But what exactly is the Golden Ball award and who won it at the last World Cup?

Here is everything you need to know.

What is the Golden Ball?

The Golden Ball is awarded to the best performing player at the World Cup.

The shortlist of players is drawn up by the FIFA Technical Study Group, which includes former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and ex-Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

The Golden Ball recognises the best individual performance at the World Cup (Picture: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The winner is then voted for by representatives of the global football media.

The player with the most votes is given the Golden Ball trophy, with the second and third ranked players receiving the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards respectively.

The award was first handed out at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Which player won the Golden Ball last time?

Luka Modric received the award four years ago in Russia after his sublime performances in midfield helped Croatia reach the World Cup final.

Despite losing the game against France, Modric was presented with the trophy in the aftermath of the final by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Luka Modric won the Golden Ball in 2018 (Picture: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Belgium’s Eden Hazard was awarded the Silver Ball after guiding the Red Devils to third place, whilst Antoine Griezmann won the Bronze Ball for his part in Les Bleus’ triumph.

Lionel Messi won the trophy in 2014 after scoring four goals in the Brazil tournament, although Argentina did end up losing the final to Germany at the Maracana.

More: World Cup 2022

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan was awarded the gong at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with his five goals leading the South Americans to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970.

French icon Zinedine Zidane picked up the trophy at the 2006 World Cup despite being sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the final in Berlin.

German legend Oliver Kahn is the only goalkeeper to have won the award, having kept five clean sheets in six appearances at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

MORE : How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at the World Cup 2022?

MORE : When is the next World Cup and where will it be held?

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Not to be confused with the Golden Boot.