| World Cup adidas Golden Ball History | |||
| Year | Player | Nationality | Final Record |
| 2002 | Oliver KAHN | Germany | 2nd place |
| 1998 | Ronaldo | Brazil | 2nd place |
| 1994 | Brazil | Brazil | 1st place |
| 1990 | Salvatore Schillaci | Italy | 3rd place |
| 1986 | Deigo Maradona | Argentina | 1st place |
| 1982 | Paolo Rossi | Italy | 1st place |