Following the conclusion of a spectacular FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA has unveiled the tournament’s individual award winners, with Spain’s Rodri crowned the competition’s best player after inspiring La Roja to a historic second World Cup title.
The midfield maestro produced a series of commanding displays throughout Spain’s triumphant campaign, dictating the tempo of matches and serving as the heartbeat of Luis de la Fuente’s side across all eight games. His outstanding performances earned him the coveted Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player.
Although France fell short of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final, Kylian Mbappe once again demonstrated his brilliance on the biggest stage. The French captain finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with a remarkable 10 goals in just eight appearances, securing the Golden Boot award.
Mbappe’s impressive campaign also saw him recognised with the Bronze Ball, finishing behind Golden Ball winner Rodri and Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who claimed the Silver Ball after leading the defending champions to another World Cup final.
Kylian Mbappe [Credit: FIFA Media]Spain’s defensive excellence was equally rewarded as goalkeeper Unai Simon collected the Golden Glove award. The Athletic Club shot-stopper kept an astonishing seven clean sheets in eight matches, including a shutout in Spain’s hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final.
