Spain sweep World Cup individual awards after final triumph

EAST RUTHERFORD: Spain completed a clean sweep of the FIFA World Cup 2026 individual honours after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final here at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with Rodri, Unai Simon and Pau Cubarsi all receiving major awards.

Captain Rodri was named winner of the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, edging Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who claimed the Silver Ball. France forward Kylian Mbappe received the Bronze Ball.

"It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn't expect this," Rodri said after accepting the award.

"This group is incredible. We are two-time world champions. It's a tough feat, the hardest one to achieve. And we won it against a team like Argentina."

The honour caps a remarkable comeback for the Manchester City midfielder, who returned to the pinnacle of football after suffering a serious ACL injury almost two years ago.

"I'm proud and I would love for new generations to see that it is possible," he said.

"That a player who touches the sky and then plummets to hell is also capable of rising again. It is an example of overcoming adversity, and you have to believe. Honestly, it's incredible."

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon collected the Golden Glove after recording a tournament-record seven clean sheets, conceding only once in eight matches.

"The stats highlight the defensive work of the entire team. If you want to win a World Cup, you have to be consistent. We achieved this together," Simón said.

"We played against Cristiano's Portugal, Mbappe's France, and now Messi's Argentina... We managed to keep our cool and control our emotions, and that was crucial."

Meanwhile, teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player ahead of team-mate Lamine Yamal, while Mbappe secured the Golden Boot with 10 goals and four assists.

Messi finished with eight goals and four assists after failing to register a goal or assist in the final.