FIFA World Cup Awards Explained: What Are the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and Golden Glove?

Winning the FIFA World Cup is the ultimate goal for every nation, but the tournament also celebrates the players and teams who stand out throughout the month-long competition. From the best player and top scorer to the tournament's finest goalkeeper and fairest team, these awards have become a major part of World Cup history.

Here's a complete breakdown of every major FIFA World Cup award and the most recent winners.

What is the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball?

The Golden Ball is the most prestigious individual award at the World Cup. It is presented to the player who has had the biggest overall impact on the tournament, whether through goals, assists, leadership or match-winning performances.

The winner is selected by media representatives from a shortlist prepared by FIFA's Technical Study Group. The runners-up receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball.

Last 10 Golden Ball Winners

*Messi is the only player to win the Golden Ball twice.*

FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: Awarded to the Tournament's Top Goalscorer

The Golden Boot goes to the player who scores the most goals during the World Cup.

If two or more players finish level on goals, FIFA uses assists as the first tiebreaker. If players are still tied, the player who achieved the tally in fewer minutes wins the award.

The second and third-highest scorers receive the Silver Boot and Bronze Boot respectively.

Last 10 Golden Boot Winners

FIFA World Cup Golden Glove: Awarded to the Best Goalkeeper

The Golden Glove recognises the tournament's best goalkeeper.

Introduced in 1994 as the Lev Yashin Award, it honours the keeper who delivers the most influential performances throughout the competition. Unlike the Golden Boot, the award is not determined solely by statistics such as clean sheets.

Last 8 Golden Glove Winners

Oliver Kahn remains the only goalkeeper to win both the Golden Glove and Golden Ball in the same World Cup.

FIFA Young Player Award: Recognising the Tournament's Rising Star

The Young Player Award is presented to the best player aged 21 or under.

While the award officially debuted in 2006, FIFA has retrospectively recognised outstanding young players from earlier tournaments as well.

Winning this award often signals the arrival of football's next global superstar.

Last 10 Young Player Award Winners

*Awards were retrospectively recognized for tournaments before the official FIFA Best Young Player award was introduced in 2006.

FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Rewarding Sportsmanship

The Fair Play Trophy is awarded to the team with the best disciplinary record at the tournament.

Only teams that reach the knockout stages are eligible. FIFA considers yellow cards, red cards, respect shown towards opponents and officials, and overall conduct throughout the tournament.

Last 10 Fair Play Trophy Winners

FIFA World Cup Player of the Match: The Standout Performer in Every Game

Every World Cup match has a Player of the Match award, given to the individual who had the greatest influence on the result.

While it may seem like a smaller honour compared to the Golden Ball or Golden Boot, these awards often tell the story of a player's tournament.

Most Player of the Match Awards in Recent World Cups

FIFA World Cup Goal of the Tournament: Celebrating the Best Goal

Introduced in 2006, the Goal of the Tournament award is decided by a fan vote after the competition ends.

Whether it's a stunning long-range strike, a spectacular volley or an unforgettable team move, this award recognises the most memorable goal of the World Cup.

Recent Goal of the Tournament Winners

Most Entertaining Team: Chosen by the Fans

This award honours the team that fans believed played the most exciting football during the tournament.

Unlike most FIFA awards, it is entirely determined through public voting and focuses on entertainment value rather than results.

Most Entertaining Team Winners

FIFA World Cup Trophy, Medals and Team Honours

Beyond the individual awards, FIFA also honours the tournament's top finishers.

The winning nation lifts the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga and introduced in 1974. The champions receive gold medals, the runners-up receive silver medals, and the third-placed team receives bronze medals.

The trophy remains the most coveted prize in world football and is awarded only once every four years.