Spain’s captain Rodri won the World Cup Golden ball award (best player of the tournament) as his team defeated the defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the summit clash at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on Sunday. 

Furthermore, Unai Simón won the Golden Glove for the top performance by a goalkeeper, and Pau Cubarsí won the Best Young Player award, beating out fellow 19-year-old teammate Lamine Yamal. Simon conceded only one goal throughout the competition, which came against Belgium in the quarterfinal clash.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s captain Messi had to settle for the Silver Ball, whereas France’s Kylian Mbappé took the Bronze Ball.

“It feels like the perfect script. I certainly ​didn’t expect this,” he said after receiving 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.”

Two years ago, Rodri had ruptured his ACL, which saw him spent a lot of time on the sidelines. However, the Spaniard was able to make an inspiring comeback at the top level.

“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.”

Rodri didn’t score any goal in the World Cup but his passing and control played a key role in Spain’s success.

On the other hand, Unai Simon hailed his teammates for bringing out their best against the top players and teams in the world.

“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, Mbappé’s France, and now Messi’s Argentina, facing players who can wreak havoc at any moment. We managed to keep our cool and control our emotions, and that was crucial.”