The Croat is leading a big change at Real Madrid after the chaos of last season, followed by a revolution.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers have entered their final stretch with seven players standing out as contenders for the Golden Ball award. Known as The Magnificent Seven, these athletes represent four semifinalists, France, England, Argentina, and Spain, and each has demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the tournament. Among them, Kylian Mbappé leads the race, while Lionel Messi remains a formidable rival, especially should Argentina defend its title. Other notable names include Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé, and Lamine Yamal, all of whom have made significant contributions to their teams' success. The competition for the Golden Ball is based on performance metrics tracked by FIFA’s Technical Study Group and media representatives accredited by the World Cup. Unlike previous tournaments, none of the four finalists who won the prize alongside their team have been part of the group of seven. This year's group includes three French players, two Englishmen, one Argentine, and one Spaniard. Mbappé, the reigning World Cup runner-up, is considered the favorite due to his consistent goal-scoring and influence on the field. He has scored eight goals and assisted three, making him the top scorer among the candidates. His presence in the final two matches could secure him the honor, though he has not yet recorded a decisive goal in crucial moments. Michael Olise, another French player, has also emerged as a contender. Despite not scoring in the early stages of the tournament, he has contributed significantly through assists, recording five in total. His ability to maintain high intensity and make accurate passes gives him an edge over other competitors. However, his lack of a game-changing goal remains a potential weakness. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé, the third French forward, has scored five goals and provided two assists, but his role in the team has been less central than others. Still, his performances suggest he should not be ruled out of contention. Lionel Messi continues to challenge Mbappé for the Golden Ball. Though he plays at a lower intensity compared to some rivals, his impact on the pitch is undeniable. He has taken more shots on goal than anyone else and has been instrumental in Argentina’s progress. While he missed two penalty kicks, his overall contribution to the team’s success makes him a strong candidate. If Argentina wins the tournament, Messi’s chances of winning the individual award increase substantially. His dominance in duels, with 39 successful ones, further underscores his value to the team. Jude Bellingham, the youngest member of the group, has surprised many with his performances. Initially viewed as a long shot, he has proven himself as a key player for England, contributing both offensively and defensively. His high number of sprints and physicality have set him apart from other candidates. Alongside Harry Kane, who has scored six goals and played over 68 kilometers during the tournament, Bellingham represents a new generation of English footballers capable of competing at the highest level. Spain’s representative, Lamine Yamal, faces challenges after struggling to find his rhythm following the Euro 2024 campaign. Although he did not perform at his best earlier in the tournament, his participation in the semifinals suggests he still has the potential to shine. With La Roja advancing to the semifinals, Yamal’s future performances will be critical in determining whether he can join the ranks of this year’s standout players. As the tournament nears its climax, the battle for the Golden Ball remains intense. Each of the seven players brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, ensuring that the final decision will reflect not just statistical achievements, but also the impact they had on their teams’ journeys. The outcome will be decided in the final days of the competition, with the winner likely to be announced shortly after the last match.