Kylian Mbappé Becomes First Player to Win ‘Golden Boot’ Twice, Spain’s Rodri Named Best Player

Kylian Mbappé of France has secured the ‘Golden Boot’ award for the second consecutive time as the top scorer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting a total of 10 goals to surpass Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who scored 8 goals. Mbappé had previously won this accolade at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he scored 8 goals.

Mbappé is now the first player since Gerd Müller of West Germany in 1970 to score double-digit goals in two World Cups. Historically, Just Fontaine of France recorded 13 goals in 1958, and Sándor Kocsis of Hungary scored 11 goals in 1954; these remain the records for most goals by an individual in a single World Cup tournament. Mbappé also holds the record for the most goals scored across various World Cup editions, totaling 22 goals—one more than Messi.

In the match played shortly after midnight on Saturday, despite France’s 6-4 defeat against England, Mbappé scored twice. This performance elevated him ahead of Messi, securing the Golden Boot as Messi was unable to score in the final. During the group stage, Mbappé scored two goals each against Senegal and Iraq and added two goals against Sweden in the round of 32.

Other major awards at the 2026 tournament were claimed by Spanish players. Captain Rodri was honored as the tournament’s Best Player, receiving the prestigious ‘Golden Ball’ award. The Manchester City midfielder, aged 30, played a decisive role in Spain’s success, becoming the second Spaniard to win this accolade. Rodri was presented the ‘Golden Ball’ by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the final match.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi was awarded the ‘Silver Ball’ as the second-best player, while Mbappé earned the ‘Bronze Ball’ for third place. Spain’s Unai Simón received the ‘Golden Glove’ award, recognizing him as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.