Rodri Wins Golden Ball, Mbappé Takes Home Golden Boot Award

Rodri, captain of Spain’s undefeated champion team, claimed the Golden Ball award, while France’s captain Kylian Mbappé secured the Golden Boot. Rodri led Spain to its first FIFA World Cup title in 16 years, earning the Adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. In the final, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0, clinching the World Cup title for the second time in history.

France’s captain Kylian Mbappé scored 10 goals, setting a record by winning the Golden Boot award for the second consecutive time. Kathmandu: Spain’s captain Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, popularly known as Rodri, secured the Golden Ball award at the FIFA World Cup 2026. He surpassed Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi and France’s captain Kylian Mbappé to achieve this distinction.

As Spain’s captain, Rodri was pivotal in midfield, providing ball control and contributing significantly to the attack. Under his leadership, Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the final held on Monday morning, winning the FIFA World Cup for the second time.

Rodri, who debuted for Spain in 2018, became the second captain to lead Spain to a World Cup victory. Previously, goalkeeper Iker Casillas captained Spain to their first World Cup triumph in 2010. While not known for scoring, Rodri has been a key midfielder for the team. In 2024, he also earned the Ballon d’Or award for the best player.

Manchester City’s Rodri joined an elite group of 11 players who have won the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or. He also received the Golden Ball award as the best player at the Euro 2024, where Spain won the title. Argentina’s captain Messi was awarded the Silver Ball, while France’s captain Mbappé received the Bronze Ball.

Additionally, Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Gloves award as the best goalkeeper, and Spain’s young defender Pau Cubarsi was honored as the best young player. Simón set a new record by maintaining clean sheets in 7 out of 8 matches played during this World Cup.

He broke the record for the longest streak without conceding a goal in the World Cup, exceeding 600 minutes. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Barcelona defender Cubarsi made a significant impact on Spain’s defensive line. France’s captain Mbappé, with 10 goals—the highest in the tournament—received the Golden Boot as the top scorer and became the first player to win the award twice.

Argentina’s Messi, who scored 8 goals, took home the Silver Boot, and England’s Jude Bellingham, with 7 goals, earned the Bronze Boot.