Rodri Wins the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball After Leading Spain to Become World Champions

Monday, 20 July 2026 | 09:19

Author: Respaty Gilang

Ilustrasi Rodri menerima penghargaan Golden Ball 2026.
Source: ChatGPT AI

Summary

1. Rodri was named the recipient of the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball award for best player, after leading Spain to become world champions.

2. Despite not scoring a single goal throughout the tournament, Rodri delivered consistent performances as the team's playmaker and stood as the core key figure behind Spain's successful title run.

3. This accolade caps off Rodri's professional comeback following an ACL injury, and also denied Lionel Messi the chance to win his third World Cup Golden Ball.

Spain national team captain Rodri has been officially named the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball recipient, the award for the tournament's best player, after successfully leading La Roja to become world champions.

This prestigious award was confirmed after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final match held at the New York New Jersey Stadium, United States, on Monday WIB.

Despite not recording a single goal throughout the entire tournament, Rodri stood out as the most influential figure in Spain's gameplay. The Manchester City midfielder acted as the match tempo controller as well as the driving force behind the ball possession style that became La Roja's playing identity during the 2026 World Cup.

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"This team is extraordinary. We are two-time world champions. That is an extremely difficult achievement, arguably the hardest there is in football. We achieved this by beating a team as strong as Argentina," Rodri was quoted by ESPN.

Rodri's Comeback After ACL Injury

The Golden Ball award marks a special milestone for Rodri. Almost two years after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the 30 year old midfielder successfully made his return and brought his peak form back to the highest level of the sport.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner stated he is proud of the journey he has overcome, and hopes his story can serve as inspiration for young players.

"I am proud and I hope the next generation sees that this is possible. A player who once stood at the top then fell, can still rise again. This is an example of how to overcome hardship. We have to keep believing. This is truly incredible," he stated.

This success also places Rodri on the exclusive list of players who have won the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or over the course of their professional careers.

Additionally, Rodri claiming the 2026 Golden Ball denied Lionel Messi from making history as the first player ever to win this award on three separate occasions. The Argentina captain instead had to settle for the Silver Ball, while France forward Kylian Mbappé received the Bronze Ball.