Following Spain’s dramatic 1–0 extra-time triumph over Argentina at MetLife Stadium, FIFA officially crowned the tournament’s top individual performers. From veteran orchestrators to teenage phenomena, these four key stars defined the 2026 World Cup campaign.
1. Rodri (Spain) — adidas Golden Ball Winner
Spain’s metronomic captain Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s official Best Player.
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Midfield Dominance: Controlling every phase of play from deep midfield, Rodri completed over 92% of his passes across eight consecutive starts.
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Trophy Cabinet: Having already conquered Europe in 2024, Rodri added the global game’s highest international honour to his legacy.
2. Pau Cubarsí (Spain) — FIFA Young Player Award
At just 19 years old, FC Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí made history by becoming the first defender ever to collect the FIFA Young Player Award.
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Defensive Record: Cubarsí anchored a Spain backline that conceded just one goal across the entire 8-match tournament while keeping seven clean sheets.
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Historical Company: He joins an elite list of young winners that includes Pelé (1958), Michael Owen (1998), Kylian Mbappé (2018), and Enzo Fernández (2022).
3. Kylian Mbappé (France) — adidas Golden Boot Winner
Despite France falling short in the semi-finals, Kylian Mbappé captured the Golden Boot as the 2026 tournament’s top goalscorer.
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Clinical Finishing: Mbappé’s lethal pace and decisive striking led all players on the score sheet, cementing his position as one of the most prolific World Cup goalscorers in modern football history.
4. Unai Simón (Spain) — adidas Golden Glove Winner
Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón claimed the Golden Glove as the best shot-stopper of the tournament.
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Seven Clean Sheets: Simón’s composure in build-up play and crucial saves in knockout matches against Germany and Argentina ensured Spain allowed only a single goal en route to lifting their second star.
