The FIFA World Cup 2026 final brought the thrilling festival of football across North America to a climactic conclusion with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
To crown the World Cup-winning moment, Spain’s Rodri received the Golden Ball Award as the best player of the tournament.
The Spanish captain received the top accolade ahead of Lionel Messi (Silver Ball) and Kylian Mbappé with the Bronze Ball.
Over the course of the competition, there has been a Golden Boot race for the ages.
There have been breakout stars and debutants, goalkeepers running the show, and unsung heroes quietly but assuredly going about their business.
Of the 1,248 players that have represented 48 nations, however, Rodri walked away with the crown.
Olympics.com looked at a short list of candidates for the coveted Golden Ball.
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Rodri (Spain)
Lamine Yamal is a name many would tip for this accolade if Spain were to go on and win the entire thing, but as good as they have been going forward, it has been their defensive solidity that has given them the foundation for this near immaculate run to the final. That is where Rodri comes in, anchoring the midfield and protecting the backline.
Spain have conceded just once in the entire tournament across seven games so far. There is an age-old saying in football, that attack wins you games and defence wins you titles – attributed to Sir Alex Ferguson – and we are witnessing this in real time, pending one final game.
Given this side like to attack with their full-backs, Rodri’s role of protecting the backline becomes even more imperative. He is composed under pressure, evidenced in his 92.9 per cent passing accuracy over seven games, making 22 tackles, 34 recoveries, and 11 clearances.
He may not be the flashy star-studded name many look to for an award like this, but the Ballon d’Or winner has played as much a part on his nation getting to the top of the podium than any other player.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Having won this award, and the FIFA World Cup itself four years ago, Messi is back on the big stage reminding the world of just how good he is. Regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game, he has been crucial to Argentina’s potential title defence in North America.
He has contributed to 12 (eight goals, four assists) of the nation’s 19 goals at this tournament, inspiring them to a dramatic victory over Cabo Verde, and dragged them from behind against Egypt and England to secure a place in the final.
Messi is second in the Golden Boot standings and his influence on the finalists has been second to none, leading from the front and wearing the captain’s armband with purpose.
There was also the not-so-small feat of becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer, with 21 and counting, although Mbappé is now just one ahead.
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