Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been named the winner of the Golden Ball after playing a leading role in Spain’s second FIFA World Cup triumph.
The 30-year-old received the award for the tournament’s best player from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after Spain’s victory in the final.
The honour is the third major individual award of Rodri’s career. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2023 before being named UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament following Spain’s victory over England in the final.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi claimed the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player, while France forward Kylian Mbappe received the Bronze Ball.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove after conceding only one goal in eight matches.
The Athletic Club goalkeeper kept seven clean sheets and was beaten only by Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere in the quarter-final.
Simon was selected ahead of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper and justified manager Luis de la Fuente’s decision with a string of commanding performances as Spain lifted the World Cup.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was named the tournament’s Best Young Player after an outstanding campaign for the champions.
The 19-year-old centre-back played every minute of Spain’s World Cup campaign as the team conceded just one goal throughout the tournament. He also helped limit Argentina to only two shots, with none on target, in the final as Spain matched their 2010 World Cup success.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
