A list of Golden Ball nominees is picked by the FIFA's Technical Study Group. The Golden Ball award is then voted on by the media. The Golden Ball award at the 2010 World Cup went to Diego Forlan.
Below is a full list of every Golden Ball award winner. FIFA.com lists winners dating back to 1982.
| Year (Host) | Golden Ball Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 (South Africa) | Diego Forlán | Uruguay |
| 2006 (Germany) | Zinedine Zidane | France |
| 2002 (South Korea/Japan) | Oliver Khan | Germany |
| 1998 (France) | Ronaldo | Brazil |
| 1994 (USA) | Romario | Brazil |
| 1990 (Italy) | Salvatore Schillaci | Italy |
| 1986 (Mexico) | Diego Maradona | Argentina |
| 1982 (Spain) | Paolo Rossi | Italy |




