Spain’s World Cup triumph was further celebrated as midfielder Rodri claimed the prestigious Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player, while France captain Kylian Mbappe secured the Golden Boot after finishing as the competition’s leading scorer. FIFA announced the individual award winners shortly after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Rodri played a pivotal role in Spain’s successful campaign, controlling the midfield with his composure, leadership and tactical intelligence throughout the tournament. The Manchester City star was instrumental as Spain lifted their second World Cup title, earning widespread praise for consistently delivering outstanding performances against the world’s top teams.
Mbappe, despite France’s semi-final exit, won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals during the tournament. The achievement makes the French forward the first player to claim the World Cup’s top scorer award in consecutive editions, having also won it at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. In addition to his goals, Mbappe registered four assists, underlining his influence for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Spain dominated the individual honours, reflecting the team’s impressive performances throughout the month-long tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was presented with the Golden Glove after recording the most clean sheets and producing several decisive saves during the knockout stages, including the final against Argentina.
Another Spanish player, teenage defender Pau Cubarsi, received the FIFA Young Player Award after an outstanding breakthrough tournament. The Barcelona centre-back impressed with his maturity, defensive awareness and consistency, becoming one of the competition’s standout performers despite his young age.
Spain’s clean sweep of the major individual awards capped a memorable campaign in which they combined attacking flair with defensive solidity. Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner against 10-man Argentina secured the World Cup trophy, while Rodri’s Golden Ball recognised his leadership at the heart of the champions’ midfield.
The awards concluded another memorable edition of football’s biggest tournament, with Spain establishing themselves as the dominant force of the 2026 World Cup, while Mbappe once again demonstrated why he remains one of the game’s most prolific forwards.
List of Players that Headline FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Awards
