"It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn't expect this." – Rodri
Award and Performance
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a decision that has drawn mixed reactions, particularly given the statistical dominance of Argentina's Lionel Messi.
A defensive midfielder, Rodri anchored Spain's campaign, playing nearly every minute as the team conceded only one goal in eight matches en route to lifting the trophy. He completed a tournament-high 747 passes with a 93% accuracy rate, though he recorded no goals or assists. In the final against Argentina, Argentina failed to register a single shot on target in regulation time. According to reports, Rodri's performance limited Messi to just one touch in the opening 15 minutes.
Criticism of the Award
Some fans and commentators argued that Messi or other players were more deserving of the Golden Ball. By comparison, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists, earning five player-of-the-match awards to Rodri's one.
Reactions
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente defended his player:
"It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world."
Upon receiving the trophy, Rodri said:
"It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn't expect this."
Background
Rodri's journey to the World Cup was marked by adversity. He suffered a ruptured right anterior cruciate ligament and returned after eight months, only to re-aggravate the injury. He eventually returned to play in January 2026. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had predicted Rodri would be at his best for the tournament.
Career Milestone
With this award, Rodri joins Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, and Zinedine Zidane as the only men to have won the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or.