{"id":6445,"date":"2026-06-10T12:02:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T12:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/10\/2026-world-cup-golden-ball-winner-odds-predictions-as-yamal-looks-to-dethrone-messi\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:02:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T12:02:10","slug":"2026-world-cup-golden-ball-winner-odds-predictions-as-yamal-looks-to-dethrone-messi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/10\/2026-world-cup-golden-ball-winner-odds-predictions-as-yamal-looks-to-dethrone-messi\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 World Cup Golden Ball Winner: Odds, Predictions As Yamal Looks to Dethrone Messi"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Predicting-or betting on-who will win the 2026 World Cup or claim the Golden Boot is no easy task.<\/p>\n

Read more Fresh off ending skid, Reds chase series win vs. Padres<\/a><\/p>\n

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Arguably even tougher, however, is trying to pick the winner of the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player.<\/p>\n

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The World Cup has a habit of defying expectations. Form often goes out the window, underdogs emerge from nowhere and some of the game’s biggest stars fail to live up to the hype. As a result, forecasting who will be named Player of the Tournament is anything but straightforward.<\/p>\n

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Still, if you’re looking to place a wager on the award, we’ve got you covered using odds from DraftKings. Who are you backing?<\/p>\n

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11. Vitinha (Portugal)<\/h2>\n

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DraftKings Odds: <\/strong>+2000<\/p>\n

Vitinha has played a major role in transforming Paris Saint-Germain from perennial European underachievers into back-to-back Champions League winners.<\/p>\n

He was also instrumental in Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League triumph and will undoubtedly be a key figure if his country is to make a deep run at this summer’s World Cup.<\/p>\n

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10. Raphinha (Brazil)<\/h2>\n

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DraftKings Odds: <\/strong>+2000<\/p>\n

Raphinha arrives at the World Cup on the back of another stellar season for Barcelona, scoring 21 goals as he helped the club secure a second consecutive La Liga title.<\/p>\n

However, recurring hamstring issues have limited his involvement for Brazil recently, meaning he may need some time to rediscover his rhythm on the international stage.<\/p>\n

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9. Declan Rice (England)<\/h2>\n

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DraftKings Odds: <\/strong>+2000<\/p>\n

The midfield engine who helped drive Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, Declan Rice will be expected to play a similarly influential role for England this summer as the Three Lions look to end a 60-year wait for a second World Cup crown.<\/p>\n

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8. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)<\/h2>\n

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DraftKings Odds: <\/strong>+1800<\/p>\n

Few, if any, players come into the World Cup in better form than Bruno Fernandes.<\/p>\n

The Manchester United captain was not only named the Premier League Player of the Season, but also broke the record for the most assists in a single season with 21-making him a strong contender for the Golden Ball this summer.<\/p>\n

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7. Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior (Brazil)<\/h2>\n

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DraftKings Odds: <\/strong>+1600<\/p>\n

Questions still linger over Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior’s ability to translate his club form for Real Madrid onto the international stage, with just nine goals in 49 appearances and only one at a World Cup.<\/p>\n

Still, he has a point to prove this year after recent criticism of his performances for Brazil, and there is every chance he could rise to the occasion.<\/p>\n

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6. Pedri (Spain)<\/h2>\n

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DraftKings Odds: <\/strong>+1400<\/p>\n

Perhaps the finest central midfielder on the planet, Pedri is integral to the way Spain play, with his ability to dictate the tempo of matches, operate in tight spaces, and thread intricate passes proving central to La Roja’s possession-heavy style.<\/p>\n

If the reigning European champion is to become world champion, Pedri will no doubt be one of Spain’s key men.<\/p>\n

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