World Cup: Rodri wins golden ball, cements status among football greats

Spain midfielder Rodri added another milestone to his remarkable career after being named the winner of the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Manchester City star was recognised as the tournament’s outstanding performer after inspiring Spain to their second World Cup title with a series of commanding displays in midfield.

Rodri helped Luis de la Fuente’s side defeat Argentina 1-0 in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, capping a campaign in which Spain conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.

The World Cup Golden Ball is the latest addition to an already impressive list of honours for the 30-year-old, who has established himself as one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.

Rodri began his senior career at Villarreal before joining Atlético Madrid in 2018, where he won the UEFA Super Cup in the same year.

He moved to Manchester City in 2019 and has since played a central role in the club’s most successful era.

With City, Rodri has won four Premier League titles (2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24), two FA Cups (2022/23 and 2025/26), three EFL Cups (2019/20, 2020/21 and 2025/26), the 2019 FA Community Shield, the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, the 2023 UEFA Super Cup and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.

On the international stage, Rodri has enjoyed similar success with Spain. He was part of the squad that won the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League before playing a pivotal role in Spain’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2024.

Two years later, he helped La Roja lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing an extraordinary run of international success.

Individually, Rodri’s achievements have also been recognised with football’s highest honours.

He won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season for club and country, and has now added the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball to his collection after leading Spain’s charge to world glory.

Rodri’s latest accolade further cements his reputation as one of the finest midfielders of his era, with his consistency, composure and leadership continuing to define both Manchester City’s domestic dominance and Spain’s resurgence on the international stage.