Spain defender Marc Cucurella praised captain Rodri after the midfielder received the Ballon d’Or for his performance during Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.Rodri played a key role in Spain’s march to their second World Cup title, dictating the tempo from midfield and becoming the heartbeat of Luis de la Fuente’s side. Although he didn’t register a goal or assist, the Manchester City star’s power was evident in every game as he dominated, controlled attacks and defended Spain’s defense throughout the tournament.Supporting his captain’s Ballon d’Or success, Cucurella highlighted Rodri’s contribution beyond goals and assists.“For us it’s very important. I think sometimes it’s not just about scoring or assisting. He controlled everything, he organized the team. He chooses when we press, he chooses when we attack and for us it’s very important. Whenever we are under pressure, he gives us a chance because we can give him the ball and he never loses. I think he deserves this trophy, “because he played an amazing Cumatch game.
Rodri’s World Cup Golden Ball campaign
Rodri beat the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi to pick up the tournament’s Player of the Year award, which reflects his quality in midfield rather than scoring goals.
| Statistics | Rodri’s FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Objectives / Resources | 0 Goals / 0 Assists |
| Opportunity Created | 10 |
| Goals conceded (Spain) | 1 |
| White Papers | 7 in 8 games |
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to end a 16-year wait to claim the title and lift their second World Cup trophy. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the match-winning goal in the 106th minute as Spain dominated and created the most chances in the tournament.Argentina survived largely thanks to Emiliano MartÃnez’s record 11 but suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time. Despite a late surge, Lionel Scaloni’s side failed to find an equaliser.The victory made Spain two-time world champions, setting a World Cup record for scoring one goal in an entire tournament.