Spain captain Rodri was named the winner of the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after guiding his side to a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday`s final.
The Manchester City midfielder capped a remarkable comeback season by lifting the tournament`s top individual honour less than two years after suffering a serious knee injury.
Rodri, who also won the Ballon d`Or in 2024, admitted he was still trying to process Spain`s World Cup triumph.
"I cannot express it in words," he said after the final. "Right now, it feels like we`re living in a cloud."
The 30-year-old missed several months of action after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during a Premier League match against Arsenal in September 2024. He returned to competitive football in May before helping Spain win the World Cup.
Reflecting on his recovery, Rodri said he hoped younger players would see his journey as proof that setbacks can be overcome.
"It`s been a very tough time," he said. "I want the new generation to understand that when you fall, you can always rise again."
Before the final, Rodri urged his teammates to play without fear despite facing defending champions Argentina.
"I told the players we had to be brave," he said. "We had to face the challenge, look our opponents in the eye and give everything. Whether the World Cup came or not, we needed to have no regrets."
Spain secured their second World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, while Rodri`s leadership and performances throughout the tournament earned him the competition`s highest individual honour.
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