Spain defender Marc Cucurella praised captain Rodri after the midfielder was awarded the Golden Ball for his outstanding performances during Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.Rodri played a key role in Spain’s march to their second World Cup title, dictating the tempo from midfield and serving as the heartbeat of Luis de la Fuente’s team. While he didn’t register a goal or an assist, the Manchester City star’s influence was evident in every game as he controlled possession, orchestrated attacks and protected Spain’s defense throughout the tournament.Supporting his captain’s Golden Ball win, Cucurella highlighted Rodri’s significant contribution beyond goals and assists.“For us it’s very important. I think sometimes it’s not just about scoring or assisting. He controls everything, he organizes the team. He decides when we press, he decides when we attack and for us it’s very important. Every time we’re under pressure, he gives us a chance because we can give him the ball and he never loses it. I think he deserves this trophy,” because he played an amazing trophy after the tournament.
Rodri’s Golden Ball-winning World Cup campaign
Rodri beat attacking superstars like Kylian Mbappé and: Lionel Messi to claim the Best Player award in the tournament, emphasizing the impact of his midfield mastery over the contributions to the goal.
| Statistics: | Rodri’s FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Objectives / Help: | 0 Goals / 0 Assists |
| Chances are: | 10:00 |
| Goals Scored (Spain) | 1: |
| Clean sheets | 7 out of 8 games |
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to end a 16-year wait for the title and lift their second World Cup trophy. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the game-winning goal in the 106th minute after Spain dominated possession and created most of the chances throughout the contest.Argentina were saved largely by Emiliano Martínez’s record 11 saves but suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time. Despite a late surge, Lionel Scaloni’s team failed to find an equaliser.The victory saw Spain become two-time world champions, setting a World Cup record by conceding just one goal in the entire tournament.