Midfield maestro Rodri was awarded the tournament’s Best Player title, thanks to a series of dominant performances that led Spain to their second FIFA World Cup triumph. Goalkeeper Unai Simon secured the Best Goalkeeper award after achieving seven clean sheets across eight matches, while young defender Pau Cubarsi was honoured as the Best Young Player, shining as one of the tournament’s stars.
| FIFA World Cup 2026 individual award winners | ||
| Award | Winner | Country |
| Golden Ball (Best Player) | Rodri | Spain |
| Silver Ball | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
| Bronze Ball | Kylian Mbappe | France |
| Golden Boot (Top Scorer) | Kylian Mbappe | France |
| Silver Boot | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
| Bronze Boot | Jude Bellingham | England |
| Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) | Unai Simon | Spain |
| Best Young Player | Pau Cubarsi | Spain |
Kylian Mbappe, the captain of France, claimed the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals, even as Les Bleus were eliminated in the semi-finals. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who led his team to the final, received both the Silver Ball and Silver Boot after another outstanding World Cup performance.
Rodri’s pivotal role was crucial to Spain’s achievements during the tournament. The Manchester City midfielder controlled the midfield tempo and concluded a stellar campaign by helping to neutralize Argentina in the final, allowing Ferran Torres to net the crucial extra-time winner.
Mbappe, for his part, reinforced his place among the elite forwards in world football. The French star netted 10 goals in eight matches, comfortably securing the tournament’s top scorer title, despite his team’s title run ending with a semi-final loss to the eventual champions, Spain.
Simon had an equally remarkable tournament, conceding just one goal across eight appearances and achieving seven clean sheets. His reliable performance was essential in ensuring Spain had the best defensive record in the tournament.
Cubarsi marked another milestone in his burgeoning career by winning the Best Young Player award. The teenage centre-back was instrumental in Spain’s robust defense, which allowed only one goal throughout the competition.
Messi, participating in what was expected to be his final FIFA World Cup, again made a significant impact on the global stage. The Argentine star finished with eight goals, capturing the Silver Boot and being acknowledged as the tournament’s second-best player with the Silver Ball.
Jude Bellingham from England rounded out the individual accolades with seven goals, earning the Bronze Boot, and capping off an impressive campaign for the Three Lions despite their fourth-place finish.
