Player Who Won the World Cup, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball All at Once

May 23, Kathmandu – What must it feel like for a player to simultaneously win the FIFA World Cup, Golden Ball, and Golden Boot? The joy of lifting the World Cup trophy while being recognized as the best player and top scorer is beyond words.

Paolo Rossi of Italy is one such player who achieved this remarkable feat in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He not only contributed to Italy’s trophy win but also secured the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Rossi’s inclusion in the Italian squad proved decisive as the team won the World Cup. His outstanding performance included scoring six goals, making him the tournament’s top scorer and helping secure the prestigious Golden Boot and Golden Ball honors.

Since the 12th edition of the World Cup held in Spain in 1982, the Golden Ball for the best player and the Golden Boot for the top scorer have been awarded in the tournament. Rossi made a clean sweep by winning all three awards in his debut World Cup.

In the final, Italy defeated West Germany 3-1, with Rossi scoring the opening goal. After failing to score in the group stage, he delivered a stunning hat-trick against Brazil in the knockout stage, leading Italy to a 3-2 victory over the title favorites. He also scored both goals in Italy’s 2-0 semifinal win against Poland.

Apart from his World Cup success, Rossi also won the Ballon d’Or that same year. His total of six goals in the tournament was crucial in Italy’s triumph. Over his national team career, he played 48 matches for Italy, scoring 20 goals.

Paolo Rossi passed away in December 2020 at the age of 64.