TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spain capped their triumphant 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by sweeping the tournament's top individual awards after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.
Midfielder Rodri was named the tournament's Best Player, earning the Golden Ball after captaining Spain to their second men's World Cup title. Goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove, while defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player, completing Spain's dominance of the individual honors.
According to ESPN, Rodri dedicated the achievement to his teammates after helping Spain overcome defending champions Argentina in the final.
"This group is incredible," Rodri said. "We are two-time world champions. It's a tough feat, the hardest one to achieve. And we won it against a team like Argentina."
The award adds another milestone to Rodri's decorated career after winning the Ballon d'Or in 2024. It also marks a remarkable comeback for the Manchester City midfielder, who returned to the top level of world football after recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament sustained nearly two years ago.
"I'm proud and I would love for new generations to see that it is possible," Rodri said. "That a player who touches the sky and then plummets to hell is also capable of rising again. It is an example of overcoming adversity, and you have to believe."
Although Rodri did not score during the tournament, his composure in midfield, passing range, and control of possession were instrumental to Spain's title-winning campaign. With the victory, he became only the 11th player to win the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.
Spain's defensive solidity was equally recognized through Simón, who claimed the Golden Glove after keeping a tournament-record seven clean sheets and conceding only one goal in eight matches.
"The stats highlight the defensive work of the entire team. If you want to win a World Cup, you have to be consistent. We achieved this together," Simón told ESPN.
The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper said Spain's run required overcoming some of the world's biggest attacking stars.
"We played against Cristiano's Portugal, Mbappé's France, and now Messi's Argentina, facing players who can wreak havoc at any moment. We managed to keep our cool and control our emotions, and that was crucial," he said.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Cubarsí was named Best Young Player after emerging as one of the key figures in Spain's defense throughout the tournament, edging fellow teenage teammate Lamine Yamal for the award.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who was aiming to become the first player to win the Golden Ball three times, finished with the Silver Ball after leading his country to a second consecutive World Cup final. France forward Kylian Mbappé claimed the Bronze Ball.
Mbappé, however, did not leave the tournament empty-handed. The Real Madrid striker secured the Golden Boot after finishing as the competition's top scorer with 10 goals and four assists, despite France ending the tournament in fourth place.
Messi concluded the World Cup with eight goals and four assists but failed to score or provide an assist in the final against Spain, ending a streak of 11 consecutive World Cup matches with a goal contribution.
Read: Ferran Torres Says 'Destiny' Led Spain to 2026 World Cup Title
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