The golden ball award went to Rodri for captaining Spain’s run to their second World Cup title. Messi had to settle for the Silver Ball, with France’s Kylian Mbappe taking the Bronze Ball.
The 30-year-old received the Golden Ball from Fifa president Gianni Infantino on the field at the MetLife Stadium following the final in New Jersey. It was the third major individual accolade of his career, having won the Ballon d’Or in 2023 and then Uefa Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament after Spain’s final triumph against England two years ago.
“It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn’t expect this,” he said after receiving the award. “This group is incredible. 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.”
Having won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, the Golden Ball completes Rodri’s return to the top of the sport after rupturing his right ACL almost two years ago.
“I’m proud and I would love for new generations to see that it is possible,” he 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. Honestly, it’s incredible.”
The Manchester City midfielder’s passing and controlling the possession are central to the way Spain plays. He became just the 11th man to win the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and Ballon d’Or.
Spain’s Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper after conceding just once in eight games, keeping seven clean sheets. The 29-year-old was picked ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League title winner David Raya as Spain’s number one, and repaid manager Luis de la Fuente’s faith with a series of solid performances as they were crowned champions.
19 years old Barcelona’s player, Pau Curbasi also won young player of the year.
