Kane, Modric lead list of Golden Ball contenders

With Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar all out of the World Cup, a number of stars will have the opportunity to make their mark by winning the Golden Ball. DEAN WORKMAN explores.

The two men who have dominated individual awards over the last ten or so years, Ronaldo and Messi, were sent packing in the last 16. Neymar, the apparent heir apparent to their throne, made more headlines with his theatrics rather than his performances as Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

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With the three pre-tournament favourites to win Fifa’s award for the best player at the World Cup already home, seven stars now have the chance to earn their place in football’s pecking order by winning the Golden Ball.

The seven contenders for the Golden Ball are:

1. Harry Kane (England)

The England captain has had a stellar World Cup campaign so far. Not only has he led his team to a first semi-final since 1990, but he is also currently leading the race for the Golden Boot, having hit the back of the net six times in four games.

If Kane could add to his goal tally and win the Golden Boot, while also firing his side to glory in the process, it would be hard not to name him the best player in the tournament.

2. Luka Modric (Croatia)

After winning a third successive Champions League at the beginning of June, the Real Madrid star could cap off a dream two months if his Croatian side could go one better than the heroes of 1998 and reach the World Cup final.

Modric has been the driving force behind his side’s run to the semi-finals. The midfielder has scored two goals while providing one assist, but it has been his ability to dominate the midfield which has seen him receive plaudits.

If the Croatia captain can help lead his side to their first ever World Cup, Modric would almost be a certainty to win the Golden Ball.

3. Kylian Mbappe (France)

The French starlet could complete his meteoric rise if he could help fire his nation to World Cup glory.

Mbappe has scored three goals in his four matches but it was his exhilarating match-winning performance against Argentina where he scored a brace to outshine Messi and captured the attention of the world.

If the Paris Saint-Germain forward could emulate that performance in the semi-finals and a potential final, he would certainly have a strong case to be crowned the tournament’s star.

4. Antoine Griezmann (France)

The French forward made headlines pre-tournament with his announcement of his decision to stay at Atletico Madrid.

He now has the chance to make the headlines for different reasons after his three goals and one assist have helped guide France into the semi-finals.

Griezmann is a vital component of the French attack, not only for his clear goal-scoring threat but also his ability to link up with his teammates.

If the Atletico forward could drive his team to glory, he would undoubtedly be in line to win the Golden Ball.

5. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

The midfield maestro was the star of the show as Belgium beat Brazil to reach their first semi-final since 1986.

He may have only scored one goal and one assist but the Manchester City man has been the fulcrum of the Belgium attack throughout the tournament.

If De Bruyne can produce his best in the semi-final against France and then again in a possible final, he would certainly have a shot of receiving the biggest individual award on offer in Russia.

6. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

The Manchester United striker has been in top form for his national side in Russia. Lukaku sits only behind Kane in the race for the Golden Boot after scoring four goals in four games.

The striker, however, has offered his team more than just goals. His running ability on and off the ball is vital to Belgium’s success and this was epitomised by his assist for De Bruyne’s winning goal against Brazil.

If Lukaku can star in the semis and repeat the feat in the final to guide his team to their first ever World Cup triumph, he could well be named as the winner of the Golden Ball.

7. Eden Hazard (Belgium)

The Belgium captain has led by example throughout the World Cup as his two goals and two assists have helped guide his side to the semi-finals.

He now has the chance to fire his side to their first ever final and even go one better to lift the famous trophy come 13 July.

If Hazard manages to lead the Belgium Golden Generation to victory, he could very well win the Golden Ball award.

Whoever wins the famous individual prize will join an illustrious list of previous winners which include: