FIFA WC: Spain midfielder Rodri wins Golden Ball
New York, July 20
Spanish midfield maestro Rodri has secured the Golden Ball, awarded to the FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament, for his performances in the 2026 global showpiece.
Spain - already reigning European champions - edged out Argentina in the World Cup final in extra time, with former City man Ferran Torres firing home the game's only goal.
Rodri was a steady presence in the centre of the park for La Roja in their eight matches, helping them win their second global crown.
He featured in all of La Roja's matches en route to glory, completing more passes, covering more distance and have more player involvements (distinct touches or participations) than any other player at this summer's tournament.
His linking of defence with attack, timely interventions and pinpoint passing played a large role in Spain's conquest, not least in the 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
In the decider, the 30-year-old completed 101 of 105 passes, won 80 per cent of his duels and created two chances. Across the whole tournament, meanwhile, his intelligent work supporting his defenders was one of the factors in Spain conceding just one goal in their eight matches.
He's also become only the 11th man in football history to win the World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or.
Having won football's most prestigious individual prize in 2024, Rodri has now added to an illustrious trophy cabinet with the World Cup Golden Ball after winning the same award for his exploits at the European Championships two years ago.
Rodri's Spanish team-mate Pau Cubarsi won the World Cup's Young Player of the Tournament prize, with Unai Simon's seven clean sheets earning him the Golden Glove.
Previous Golden Ball winners
1978: Mario Kempes (Argentina)
1982: Paolo Rossi (Italy)
1986: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
1994: Romario (Brazil)
1998: Ronaldo (Brazil)
2002: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
2006: Zinedine Zidane (France)
2010: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
2018: Luka Modric (Croatia)
2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, it's bittersweet to see such excellence. Rodri has been phenomenal, but where is our football development? We have so much talent but no proper system. Spain shows how to build champions.
Rodri's rise has been incredible - from Man City's engine room to World Cup Golden Ball winner! That 80% duel win rate in the final shows his physicality too. Argentina fought hard but Spain were just too well-organised. Mata ka dar hai truly!
Impressive list of previous winners - Maradona, Zidane, Messi... Rodri now joins that elite company. He's also won the Euros and Ballon d'Or - what a career. But I wish India had more coverage of such tournaments rather than just cricket.
Rodri isn't flashy like some past winners, but he's so effective. Spain conceded just one goal in eight matches - that defensive organization starts from midfield. His intelligence reading the game is unmatched.
All credit to Rodri but the Golden Ball often goes to a midfielder or forward from the winning team. Still, 101/105 passes in a World Cup final is clinical. These stats make me want to play FIFA career mode with Spain! ⚽🔥
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