New Jersey: Newly crowned world champions Spain completed a memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by sweeping the tournament’s top individual honours, while France striker Kylian Mbappe finished as the Golden Boot winner.
Following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final, captain Rodri was named the tournament’s Best Player, goalkeeper Unai Simon received the Golden Glove, and teenage defender Pau Cubarsi won the Best Young Player award.
Rodri crowned tournament’s best player
Rodri played a pivotal role in Spain’s title-winning campaign, controlling matches from midfield with exceptional composure and consistency. The Manchester City star completed 753 passes at a 94 per cent accuracy rate, underlining his influence throughout the tournament.
The award marked another milestone in Rodri’s remarkable career after recovering from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for several months before returning to lead Spain to World Cup glory.
Mbappe wins Golden Boot
Although France finished fourth, Kylian Mbappe ended the tournament as its leading scorer with 10 goals and four assists. His two-goal performance in the third-place play-off helped him move ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who finished with eight goals and four assists.
Mbappe also became the first player since German legend Gerd Müller in 1970 to score 10 goals in a single men’s World Cup.
Messi, who was hoping to win a record third Golden Ball award after his triumphs in 2014 and 2022, instead received the Silver Ball, while Mbappe collected the Bronze Ball.
Spain’s defensive strength was equally recognised, with Unai Simon keeping seven clean sheets, while 19-year-old Cubarsi impressed throughout the tournament with his mature performances at the heart of the defence.
The awards capped a dream tournament for Spain, who combined defensive solidity, midfield dominance and attacking quality to lift their second FIFA World Cup title.