Number Tens and World Cup Golden Balls: A better love story than Twilight. Let’s highlight an interesting affinity between the two footballing phenomenons.
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel (Blaugranisme), we uploaded a short on this topic there too:
The Number 10: Football’s Creative Genius and Its Influence
The number 10 jersey is more than just a number. This figure represents a legacy of creativity, vision, and playmaking. Traditionally, the No. 10 is the playmaker on a team; he is a player who orchestrates the game. He links the midfield to the attack and acts as the team’s engine.
A no. 10 unlocks defenses through perfectly weighted passes and individual brilliance. Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Zidane, and Messi are all iconic no. 10s who have changed the history of the game through their technical and artistic skills.
Since the past five editions of the FIFA World Cup, a beautiful phenomenon has taken place. All no. 10s have won the golden ball, which is awarded at the end of the tournament to the best player of the entire tournament. Is it a coincidence or a gift from football to its fans?
A Maestro’s Legacy: Zidane’s Magic in 2006
Zidane won the iconic Golden Ball at the twilight of his career. The French won the award in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and that spell was nothing short of magical. The midfielding genius returned from injury and carried the whole French team to the grand finale of the World Cup.
Every single touch of Zidane turned into gold in that tournament. He even scored a panenka in the final against Italy.
The player was indeed the embodiment of balance and poise under pressure. Although he won the Golden Ball, his tournament and career ended sadly with a red card.
The Era of Playmakers: Forlán, Messi, and Modric’s Iconic wins
The modern evolution of this beautiful role was fully displayed during the previous decade. First, Diego Forlan, the Uruguayan legend, won the gold ball, then the GOAT Leo Messi in 2014, and the Croatian wizard Modric in 2018.
Forlan scored spectacular goals in the World Cup and led the South American team from the front. Messi single-handedly carried an average Argentine team to the final against Germany. His breathtaking free kick, decisive goals such as the one against Iran, and leadership were truly a masterclass. Luka Modric’s performance was also a true no. 10 spectacle as the Croat dictated the play in midfield, led his team from the front, and crafted magical balls across the midfield.
Messi’s Historic Dual Triumphs: A No. 10’s Golden Bookends in 2014 and 2022
Leo is the only player in history to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice. After a heartbreaking campaign in 2014, it seemed Messi’s World Cup hopes were over.
On the contrary, Leo Messi had a magical run in Qatar in 2022. He scored seven goals and three assists in seven games. His assists against Netherlands and Croatia were just out of this world. But what about the left-footed curler from outside the box against Mexico? I could continue, but I won’t find a single best moment.
Leo led the young Argentine team ferociously and fought for his team. The GOAT silenced his haters, who used to question his leadership. Leo’s all-around No. 10 performance was awarded by football itself, as the greatest player in history lifted the most coveted trophy in sports entertainment. No. 10 Messi won the World Cup. It was football’s victory.
