East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 20 (dpa/GNA) – Spain midfielder Rodri, was awarded the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player, after their 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the final on Sunday.
The Manchester City man, who struggled for league form last season after a cruciate knee ligament injury in September 2024, has sat doggedly in front of the back four and started attacks with his metronomic rhythm.
Record-breaking Spain conceded just one goal all tournament, and young centre back Pau Cubarsí outshone Barcelona team mate Lamine Yamal, also now 19, to win the young player award.
Unai Simón was named goalkeeper of the World Cup after conceding only against Belgium in the 2-1 quarter-final win. The Spaniard’s clean sheet lasted a record 649 World Cup minutes spread over two tournaments.
GNA