World Cup: who will succeed Courtois, Modric, Mbappé and Kane at the individual trophies?

The Golden Ball

Awarded to Luka Modric in 2018, the best player award usually heads into the hands of a runner-up. Except for the Uruguayan Diego Forlan in 2010. Except surprise, this time it should be given to a French or an Argentinian. And then we obviously think of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi (already crowned in 2014). The final should make it possible to decide between them.

The end of the dream of the Modric generation

The Golden Shoe

Same as for the Ballon d’Or: same candidates and same expectation of the final to find out who Messi (5 goals) or Mbappé (5) will finish at the top of the scorers’ rankings. Unless Giroud (4) or Alvarez (4) passes them by on the edge. In 2018, Harry Kane won with 6 goals.

Le Gant d’or

Who to succeed Thibaut Courtois (2018), Manuel Neuer (2014) or Iker Casillas (2010)? It will certainly turn to one of the semi-finalists. Advantage in this little game for the Croatian Dominik Livakovic, who holds the save record (24) among the semi-finalists and who became the third goalkeeper in history to stop three shots on goal in the same session (against Japan in the round of 16).

The Moroccan Yassine Bono and the Argentinian Emiliano Martinez, also heroic on many occasions during their tournament, notably in their respective penalty shootout against Spain and the Netherlands, are the two other serious contenders. As for Hugo Lloris, he also shone, especially against England, but his lack of shots on goal could penalize him in this quest.

The best young

Gleaned by Enzo Scifo in 1986, this reward is reserved for players under 21 years old. For this edition, players born after January 1, 2021 are eligible. Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez is the favorite alongside Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol. The title should be played between these two players, even if the English Jude Bellingham or Bukayo Saka are also in the running. Note that Julian Alvarez and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both 22 years old, were born twelve months too early. Mbappé won it in 2018.

The most beautiful goal

Richarlison and his sumptuous acrobatic return? More than likely, even if Aboubakar’s dipper against Serbia, Fernandez’s curling shot against Mexico or Saka’s volley against Iran defend well. In 2018, it was Benjamin Pavard’s volley against Argentina, which was rewarded.