Spaniard Rodri beat Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in FIFA’s selection for the best player in the World Cup

Rodri received the adidas Golden Ball award after leading Spain to the 2026 World Cup title, capping off a dominant tournament with another strong performance from midfield as Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.The Manchester City midfielder edged out Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to claim the tournament’s highest individual accolade, as FIFA honored the player who has contributed to Spain’s unbeaten run across North America.Mbappé finished winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals, breaking Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record, while Messi led Argentina to the final with eight goals and four assists.

However, Rodri’s consistency and control of Spain’s midfield eventually earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Rodri dictated the final from midfield

The final was billed as a meeting between generations, with 39-year-old Lionel Messi taking on 19-year-old Lamine Yamal in what was expected to be a decisive clash between football’s past and its future. Instead, it was Rodri who emerged as the figure who shaped the biggest match of the tournament.

Spain controlled the ball throughout the match and succeeded in disrupting Argentina’s attacking rhythm, while coach Lionel Scaloni’s team struggled to create meaningful opportunities as the passing lanes were closed and the attackers entered deep into the field.

Argentina failed to register a single shot on target in normal time, a reflection of Spain’s tactical control and ability to set the tone in the final.And at the heart of it all was Rodri, whose composure, positioning and understanding of the game allowed Spain to dominate the midfield battle and maintain control when the pressure of a World Cup final most demanded it.

Before being substituted in the 99th minute, he produced one of the best midfield performances in the tournament.He finished the game with 116 touches, completed 101 of 106 passes (95 per cent), played 16 passes in the final third and completed eight of nine long balls. Defensively, he won four tackles and eight of 10 ground duels.Eventually, Spain took the lead in extra time to secure a 1-0 win and their second World Cup title.

Neutralizing Messi proved decisive

Rodri’s impact has gone far beyond statistics, as his role at the base of Spain’s midfield has helped prevent Argentina from building around Lionel Messi.The Manchester City midfielder read the game wonderfully, closing the passing lanes and reducing the space available to Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis McAllister, who had difficulties finding space in the midfield.Messi, aiming to retain the World Cup and Ballon d’Or he won in Qatar, remained unusually quiet, and by the time Rodri left the field he had taken just 29 touches.

Rodri produced one of the most impressive midfield performances of the tournament, combining defensive discipline with the ability to set Spain’s attacking tempo.Spain conceded only once in the World Cup, and Rodri was pivotal to their control of matches through his passing, positioning and ability to break up attacks.He completed 694 passes, setting a new World Cup record for a single tournament and surpassing his previous mark of 638 at Qatar 2022.

Winning The biggest individual award in football

Rodri’s golden ball came despite strong competition.Messi contributed 12 goals (eight goals and four assists) in Argentina’s run to the final.

Mbappe scored 10 goals, became the all-time top scorer in the World Cup with 22 goals and won the Golden Boot. Jude Bellingham also impressed as England finished third.

In the end, FIFA rewarded the player whose influence extended beyond goals.Rodri dominated the matches, protected Spain’s defence, controlled the ball and produced a flawless performance in the final.With Spain crowned world champion after defeating Argentina in extra time, Rodri completed his historic campaign by winning the Golden Ball as the best player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.