2026 World Cup - Recap - Facts - Best Player Awards

Rodri named World Cup 2026 Golden Ball winner

Spain's Rodri was crowned best player of the 2026 World Cup, taking the Golden Ball after captaining his side to a 1:0 extra-time win over Argentina in the final. Lionel Messi took the Silver Ball, with Kylian Mbappé third for the Bronze. Rodri's Spain teammates Pau Cubarsí and Unai Simón also picked up individual honours, winning Best Young Player and the Golden Glove.

Golden Ball 
Rodri (Spain) received the Golden Ball

Messi won the Silver Ball as the second-best player, and Mbappé the Bronze Ball.

Golden Glove 

Unai Simón (Spain) claimed the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper after conceding just once in eight games. The Athletic Club stopper kept seven clean sheets.

Best Young Player 

Pau Cubarsi (Spain), the 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back, received the award for the tournament's best young player.