MIAMI — Spain midfielder Rodri was named the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball winner after helping his country secure the title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final, FIFA announced following the tournament’s conclusion.
The 30-year-old received the adidas Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player after featuring as a central figure in Spain’s run to their second World Cup championship. FIFA said Rodri’s performances across Spain’s eight matches were marked by his influence in midfield, including his role in connecting defensive and attacking phases of play.
Rodri completed the full final against Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Spain won after extra time. FIFA reported that the midfielder completed 101 of 105 passes, won 80% of his duels and created two chances during the match. Spain conceded only one goal across the tournament, a defensive record in which Rodri’s midfield contributions were cited as a factor.
The Golden Ball award was presented after the World Cup final, with FIFA also announcing the other individual honours. Argentina captain Lionel Messi received the Silver Ball for the second-best player of the tournament, while France forward Kylian Mbappe was awarded the Bronze Ball. Mbappe also won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals in eight matches.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove award after recording seven clean sheets in eight matches, including the final, while defender Pau Cubarsi received the FIFA Young Player Award after helping Spain concede only one goal throughout the competition.
Rodri’s award added to a tournament in which Spain completed their second World Cup triumph, following their first title in 2010. The midfielder became the latest player to receive the Golden Ball, an award first introduced at the 1978 World Cup and previously won by players including Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Zinedine Zidane.
Spain’s players returned home after celebrations in Madrid following the victory, with Rodri among the team members honoured for the national team’s achievement. FIFA’s confirmed list of World Cup 2026 award winners remains the latest official record of the tournament’s individual honours.
