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World Cup Golden Ball: What is it, who has won it & who are the contenders for Russia 2018 best player award?

Goal takes a look at the Golden Ball award presented to the best player at the World Cup finals, including past recipients and potential winners

The FIFA Golden Ball award is the prize given to the tournament's best player, with Lionel Messi last being presented with the award despite Argentina finishing as runners-up in 2014 after losing the final to Germany.

Ahead of this summer's World Cup, Goal takes a look at the Golden Ball award – and how it differentiates from the Golden Boot – and names some potential contenders as well as past recipients of the prize.