Past Golden Ball Winners of U-17 World Cup

Winning a Golden Ball at the World Cup is validation of a job well done. We take you back in time to look at the past Golden Ball winners at the FIFA U-17 World Cup - needless to say, it has been a harbinger of a brighter future for its possessor.

Nii Odartey Lamptey of Ghana sizzled in the 1991 U-17 World Cup by winning the Golden Ball award.

Although having scored only three goals, Daniel Addo (right) of Ghana won the Golden Ball award in the 1993 edition.

Mohamed Al Kathiri of Oman ran away with the award in the 1995 edition with five goals.

It was Sergio Santamaria of Spain who won the Golden Ball award in the 1997 edition.

Landon Donovan of the United States sizzled in the 1999 edition to win the Golden Ball award.

Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle scored nine goals in the 2001 U-17 World Cup and was also adjudged the Golden Ball winner.

In the 2003 edition, Cesc Fabregas of Spain won the Golden Ball award.

In 2005, Anderson became the first Brazilian to win the Golden Ball award in the U-17 World Cup.

Toni Kroos of Germany was adjudged the best player in the 2007 U-17 World Cup.

Sani Emmanuel of Nigeria was on fire in the 2009 edition of the U-17 World Cup and won the Golden Ball award.

Mexico's Julio Gomez was in good form in the 2011 edition and won the Golden Ball award.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Nigeria was unstoppable in the 2013 U-17 World Cup and won the Golden Ball award for his heroics.

Kelechi Nwakali of Nigeria had an outstanding U-17 World Cup in 2015 and won the Golden Ball award.

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Nii Odartey Lamptey of Ghana sizzled in the 1991 U-17 World Cup by winning the Golden Ball award.