Spain maestro Rodri took home the Golden Ball as the 2026 World Cup's best player after helping La Roja defeat Argentina 1-0 in Sunday's final.
Argentina icon Lionel Messi was heavily favored for the award entering the final. However, Rodri - a former Ballon d'Or winner - claimed the honor to crown his spectacular tournament.
Rodri came into the final as the 2026 World Cup's leader in successful passes and line-breaking passes. He also had the most touches of any player in the competition and ranked fifth in possessions won.
Messi also fell short in the Golden Boot race. Kylian Mbappe led the 2026 tournament with 10 goals, two more than Messi. It's the second straight World Cup in which the France superstar finishes as the event's top goalscorer.
Messi and Mbappe entered this weekend tied with eight goals each. The French striker scored a brace in Saturday's 6-4 loss to England, taking the solo lead in the scoring race and becoming the World Cup's all-time leader with 22 goals.
Messi, who was kept quiet during Sunday's final, brought his career World Cup tally to 21 in his sixth - and likely final - World Cup.
Ferran Torres was named Man of the Match on Sunday after scoring Spain's game-winner in extra time.
Here are other award winners from the 2026 World Cup:
- Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Unai Simon, Spain
- Best young player (age 21 or younger): Pau Cubarsi, Spain
