Spain ‘s Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, better known as Rodri , has been awarded the Golden Ball for the 2026 World Cup as the best player in the tournament.
The captain of La Roja orchestrated a midfield that authored six clean-sheet victories, including in the final . In the semifinal match Rodri won 11 duels, more than the entire French midfield, to propel Spain to the final.
Advertisement
World Cup 2026: Relive ‘America’s World Cup’ with our commemorative book
1 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
The World Cup final brings together two of soccer’s biggest stars as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal chase the sport’s biggest prize.
See the must‑see photos from the championship match as the tournament reaches its conclusion.
Above, Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.
(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)
1 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
The World Cup final brings together two of soccer’s biggest stars as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal chase the sport’s biggest prize.
See the must‑see photos from the championship match as the tournament reaches its conclusion.
Above, Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.
(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)
2 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)
3 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
General view of the tattoo of Argentina ‘s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.
(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)
4 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Spain ‘s Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo during the warm up before the match.
(Dylan Martinez, REUTERS)
5 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Argentina ‘s Emiliano Martinez during the warm up before the match.
(VINCENT CARCHIETTA, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
6 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Spain’s Rodri during the warm up before the match.
(Amanda Perobelli, REUTERS)
7 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Spain’s Lamine Yamal during the warm up before the match.
(Dylan Martinez, REUTERS)
8 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Argentina players during the warm up before the match.
(Mike Segar, REUTERS)
9 / 9
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Spain players during the warm up before the match.
(JAMES LANG, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
He is the 11th player to win the World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d’Or.
“We are a bit shocked right now, even myself,” Rodri said on the post-game broadcast. “Now I’m like in a cloud.”
Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final set a record for unbeaten performances in international play at 38 matches.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rodri wins Golden Ball as Spain reigns at 2026 World Cup
Source link
Comments
Advertisement