Spain captain Rodri has been named the best player of the 2026 World Cup, collecting the prestigious Golden Ball trophy after guiding his nation to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder, who had previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, anchored the Spanish midfield during a gruelling match that went to extra time. Speaking after the trophy presentation, the tournament's standout player admitted that the entire squad felt slightly overwhelmed by the magnitude of their achievement.
The victory completes a remarkable personal journey for the Spanish captain. Rodri suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for his English club in September 2024, only returning to competitive football in May of the following year.
Reflecting on his journey, the midfielder said the emotional weight of the victory was difficult to express. He noted that the squad felt as though they were floating on a cloud after a long and challenging period.
The champion expressed hope that younger generations of athletes would look to his recovery as a source of motivation. He emphasised that when a person experiences a major setback, it is always possible to work hard and recover.
The veteran leader revealed that he maintains a positive philosophy throughout life, accepting that things will naturally go right at times and wrong at others. He shared that he urged his teammates to show immense positivity and courage ahead of the match against the South American side.
The midfielder explained that he urged the players to confront their opponents head-on and seize control of the game. He concluded that while life does not always guarantee a World Cup trophy, it is bravery on the pitch that truly defines their historic success.
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