Rodri won the Golden Ball at FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to clinch its second title.
The midfielder had been a vital cog in the Spanish side that emerged as the champion courtesy of its fluid attack. He started all eight games for Spain at this World Cup and played a combined 729 minutes.
Rodri pulled the strings for Spain in attack, creating 11 crucial chances through the tournament and having nearly 94 per cent passing accuracy.
Spain kept seven clean sheets through the tournament and conceded just a solitary goal, against Belgium in the quarterfinal.
Lionel Messi, who scored eight goals and recorded four assists, was one of the favourites to win the award for the third time but was eventually pipped by the Manchester City midfielder.
Rodri, the skipper of the side, has now played a crucial role in helping La Roja win two international tournaments back-to-back — Euro 2024 and the World Cup.
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Published on Jul 20, 2026