Who Have Been the Top Five Most Valuable Footballers in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With just one day before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, let’s have a look at a list of the most valuable footballers from this summer’s tournament. Seeing as how the field of 48 is incredibly massive and the tournament will only get bigger in 2030, let’s narrow it down to five players. This summer alone, we’ve seen major records broken, huge upsets, and nations like Team USA and Cape Verde have had historically major moments in 2026. Keeping all of that in mind, here is my list, in no particular order, for the best of the best in this year’s World Cup.
Lionel Messi
To no one’s surprise, the greatest of all time is kicking this list off the right way. Lionel Messi made World Cup history this summer when he set the all-time record for goals in tournament history in a game in which his boot alone helped Argentina over Austria. Of course, everyone expected the Argentinians to be back in a major way, but to this level, to come back to the final, ‘El Messias’ deserves major credit. The legend will enter Sunday’s match with eight goals and four assists so far, and if La Albiceleste goes back-to-back, then expect him to rack up a few more.
Erling Haaland
Taking the United States by storm, Erling Haaland was everyone's darling for the majority of the tournament until he was sent home by England. Much like Messi, the 25-year-old single-handedly delivered for his nation, especially in Norway’s 2-0 win over Brazil, in which his brace was the deciding factor. Finishing with seven goals, his performance this summer will never be forgotten, for both on- and off-the-field reasons. Haaland ended a 28-year-old qualification drought for Norway and brought his club to the quarterfinals for the first time, and that’s what MVP-caliber players do.
Vozinha
This one is definitely outside of the box, but there’s no way I could have left this goalkeeper off the list. Vozinha, born Josimar José Évora Dias, came absolutely out of nowhere and brought the tiny island of Cape Verde to the Round of 32 despite his club not winning a single game in the group stage. Keeping every match a draw due to his defensive prowess, Vozinha even kept Spain off the net. Just like Haaland, this year put Vozinha on a global stage, but unlike the Norwegian, he was an absolute unknown, and now we’ll always remember him.
Mikel Oyarzabal
In any sport, a team’s leading man needs a strong co-star, and Mikel Oyarzabal has been just that for the Spanish. The 29-year-old’s goal was the deciding factor in his club’s big win over France, sending them to the final for the first time in 16 years, the last time Spain won the World Cup. The pride of Real Sociedad is currently tied for sixth in goals this summer with Ousmane Dembele and sitting above footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinícius Júnior. Spain’s defense can get them anywhere, and with Oyarzabal and this list’s next entry, the offense does not need to be worried about.
Lamine Yamal
He’s only got the one goal, which was still historic, but the presence of Lamine Yamal is felt in other areas. Whether it’s taking the penalty Spain needs or drawing opposing defenders towards him to create space for others, the teenager has been incredibly valuable to his nation. With no goals since his record-breaker against Saudi Arabia, the Barcelona winger is due for something huge tomorrow afternoon. All the stories surrounding the game right now are of a picture with Messi and an infant Yamal, but if the Esplugues native takes the cake, then all the stories and glory will go to him.
