Spain completed a memorable FIFA World Cup campaign by collecting three of the tournament’s top individual awards after defeating Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium to secure their second world title.
Fresh from lifting the trophy, Spain also celebrated success in the post-tournament honours, with captain Rodri named the competition’s best player, goalkeeper Unai Simón receiving the Golden Glove and defender Pau Cubarsí earning the Best Young Player award.
Rodri’s Golden Ball triumph came ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who finished with the Silver Ball, while France forward Kylian Mbappé was awarded the Bronze Ball. Messi had been aiming to extend his own record by winning the award for a third time after inspiring Argentina to a second successive World Cup final at the age of 39.
Instead, the accolade went to Rodri after he led Spain throughout a successful tournament that ended with the nation becoming world champions once again.
“This group is incredible,” Rodri said. “We are two-time world champions. It’s a tough feat, the hardest one to achieve. And we won it against a team like Argentina.”
The award marks another significant milestone in Rodri’s career, adding to the Ballon d’Or he won in 2024. It also represents the latest chapter in his return to the highest level after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament almost two years ago.
“I’m proud and I would love for new generations to see that it is possible,” he said. “That a player who touches the sky and then plummets to hell is also capable of rising again. It is an example of overcoming adversity, and you have to believe. Honestly, it’s incredible.”
Although the Manchester City midfielder did not score during the tournament, his influence was evident through his passing range and ability to dictate possession, qualities that formed the foundation of Spain’s style of play throughout the competition. His achievements also place him among an exclusive group, becoming only the 11th men’s player to win the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.
Spain’s defensive strength was also recognised through Simón’s Golden Glove award. The goalkeeper finished the tournament with a record seven clean sheets and conceded only one goal across eight matches, underlining Spain’s defensive consistency on their route to the title.
“The stats highlight the defensive work of the entire team. If you want to win a World Cup, you have to be consistent. We achieved this together,” Simón said.
“We played against Cristiano’s Portugal, Mbappé’s France, and now Messi’s Argentina, facing players who can wreak havoc at any moment. We managed to keep our cool and control our emotions, and that was crucial.”
Spain’s success extended further with Pau Cubarsí being named Best Young Player after impressing throughout the tournament. The 19-year-old claimed the award ahead of fellow Spain teenager Lamine Yamal, highlighting the country’s emerging generation of talent as it celebrated World Cup success.
France’s Mbappé, meanwhile, finished the tournament as its leading scorer. His tally of 10 goals, combined with four assists, earned him the Golden Boot despite France ending the competition in fourth place.
Messi concluded the tournament with eight goals and four assists. However, the final proved to be the first time in his last 12 World Cup appearances that he failed to register either a goal or an assist, as Argentina were narrowly beaten by Spain in the championship match.
The combination of the World Cup trophy and three major individual awards underlined Spain’s dominance over the tournament, with the champions recognised both collectively and individually following their victory over Argentina in the final.
