Spain’s triumphant FIFA World Cup campaign was further celebrated on Sunday as midfielder Rodri headlined a clean sweep of the tournament’s top individual awards, following the nation’s second World Cup title.
The Manchester City star was presented with the prestigious Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the trophy presentation at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Rodri’s commanding displays throughout the competition earned him the accolade, adding another major individual honour to an already distinguished career. The 30-year-old previously won the 2023 Ballon d’Or and was named UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament after leading Spain to victory over England in the continental final.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi finished as the tournament’s second-best player, receiving the Silver Ball, while France forward Kylian Mbappé claimed the Bronze Ball.
Spain also celebrated success in the goalkeeping category, with Unai Simón winning the Golden Glove after an exceptional tournament between the posts. The Athletic Club goalkeeper conceded just one goal in eight matches and recorded seven clean sheets, underlining Spain’s defensive dominance throughout the competition.
Simón’s only goal conceded came against Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere in the quarter-finals. Having been selected ahead of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper, he justified head coach Luis de la Fuente’s faith with a series of assured performances that proved instrumental in the team’s title-winning campaign.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí was named the tournament’s Best Young Player after emerging as one of the standout performers of the World Cup.
The 19-year-old centre-back played every minute of Spain’s campaign, helping his side concede only one goal throughout the tournament. In the final against Argentina, Cubarsí played a key role in restricting the defending champions to just two shots, none of which were on target, as Spain secured a memorable victory.
Spain’s dominance in both team and individual honours highlighted one of the most impressive World Cup campaigns in recent history, with the European champions excelling in every area of the pitch on their way to lifting football’s biggest prize for the second time since their maiden triumph in 2010.
