Messi is the top candidate for the Golden Ball

Lionel Messi is currently considered the foremost candidate for the Super Golden Ball honor, an award set to be held and conferred in 2029.

The Golden Ball has long been viewed as one of football's most prestigious accolades, established in 1956 to honor Europe's finest players, before expanding in 1995 to recognize all stars playing at European clubs.

However, surpassing the significance of the Golden Ball is the Super Golden Ball, a special title awarded only once in 1989, when Alfredo Di Stefano was honored as the best player over 30 years, surpassing Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini.

As the 40-year milestone of this award approaches in 2029, GIVEMESPORT has compiled a list of the most prominent candidates, based on outstanding achievements over the past four decades.

5. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho was not just a football player; he was a true artist on the pitch. His peak was at Barcelona, where he won the Golden Ball in 2005 after helping the Catalan club revive strongly and clinch La Liga. The legend born in 1980 is one of the few players in history to have won the "power trio": the World Cup (2002), Champions League (2006), and the Golden Ball.

Ronaldinho's influence extends far beyond statistics. His magical dribbling, radiant smile, and ability to turn impossible into possible made him a global icon. He laid the foundation and inspired a generation of young players, including Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

4. Ronaldo Nazario

Known as "The Alien," Ronaldo Nazario completely transformed the concept of a modern striker. Before severe knee injuries occurred, Ronaldo was an unstoppable nightmare with terrifying speed and supreme finishing skills.

He won two Golden Balls (1997, 2002) and was a key factor in Brazil's World Cup 2002 victory with eight goals. Though his career was interrupted by injuries, what Ronaldo displayed during his peak is still considered the highest standard a number 9 can achieve in football history.

3. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane embodies elegance and class. Zizou always knew how to shine brightest in the biggest matches. The double header against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final or the classic volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final are the clearest proofs.

The French legend won the Golden Ball in 1998 and nearly every top honor from club to national team level. Not only brilliantly successful as a player, he continued to affirm his legendary status by leading Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles. His calmness and genius thinking ensure Zidane always holds a revered place in the hall of legends.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest testament to relentless training and limitless conquering will. With 5 Golden Balls and currently only 31 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone, he is the greatest goal-scorer of all time in official matches.

Ronaldo's dominance spanned Europe's three biggest leagues: the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. He is the "king" of the Champions League with 5 crowns and holds the scoring record in this arena. At the national team level, he also led Portugal to win Euro 2016. The influence and endurance of CR7 beyond age 40 remains a unprecedented phenomenon in world football.

If he wins the 2026 World Cup and reaches the 1,000-goal record, Ronaldo certainly has the opportunity to rise and claim the Super Golden Ball.

1. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is precisely the number one and most deserving candidate for the 2029 Golden Ball award. With the unprecedented record of 8 Golden Balls, Messi spent over two decades proving himself as the greatest player of all time (GOAT).

The moment Messi lifted the golden World Cup trophy with Argentina in 2022 officially completed his vast collection of honors, silencing all debates about his status. Messi's dribbling, assisting, and scoring abilities seem to come from another planet. Given his contributions to world football, Messi becoming the second person in history to receive the Super Golden Ball is a result almost foretold.