The 2026 World Cup concluded this Sunday evening with a final won by Spain against Argentina after extra time. Following the end of the tournament, the best player was named: Rodri, the 30-year-old midfielder for La Roja and Manchester City.
We know that such an award always sparks plenty of debate, and there are certainly other potential candidates. However, Rodri is, above all, a worthy winner of the World Cup “Ballon d’Or”—just as he was when he won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Far removed from a style of football judged solely on goals and assists, he stands as a magnificent pillar of the game. Combining intelligence with technical quality, he orchestrates his team’s play and ensures defensive solidity. Indeed, the difficult year he endured due to injury setbacks took a toll on Manchester City.
One has to admire his fighting spirit and self-belief, given the scrutiny he faced heading into this World Cup. There were doubts about his fitness, and the competition for places was fierce. Yet, he successfully retained the captain’s armband and led his team to a superb World Cup campaign.
