NEW JERSEY, United States – France forward Kylian Mbappé has made FIFA World Cup history after becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot twice, while Spain captain Rodri was named the tournament’s Best Player following his country’s World Cup triumph.
The individual awards were presented after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite France failing to reach the final, Mbappé finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals in eight matches, securing the prestigious Golden Boot award.
The 27-year-old becomes the first player in FIFA World Cup history to win the Golden Boot at two consecutive tournaments, having also finished as the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with eight goals.
His goals came against Senegal, Iraq, Sweden, Paraguay, Morocco and England, where he scored twice in France’s third-place playoff defeat.
Although pleased with the individual honour, Mbappé admitted he would have preferred to help France reach the final.
“I would have preferred not to be the top scorer and to have played in the final. It’s good for my legacy once I’ve retired, but right now, that’s not what’s on my mind,” he said.
Mbappé also reached another historic milestone during the tournament.
He finished one goal ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who ended the tournament with 21 World Cup goals after failing to score in the final against Spain.
Messi completed the competition with eight goals, while England’s Jude Bellingham and Norway striker Erling Haaland each scored seven.
Spain midfielder and captain Rodri received the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s outstanding player.
The Manchester City star played a pivotal role in Spain’s unbeaten run to the title, controlling matches from midfield with his passing, leadership and defensive discipline.
The award adds to an already impressive list of individual honours for the 30-year-old, who previously won the Ballon d’Or and was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2024.
Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy after Spain defeated Argentina to claim their second world title.
Although Argentina fell short in the final, Lionel Messi was awarded the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player.
Mbappé completed a memorable tournament by receiving the Bronze Ball, recognising him as the competition’s third-best performer in addition to winning the Golden Boot.
Spain’s World Cup victory was reflected in the tournament’s individual awards.
Alongside Rodri’s Golden Ball, goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal throughout the tournament and keeping seven clean sheets.
Young defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player, highlighting Spain’s blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
The awards capped an outstanding campaign for Spain, who ended the tournament as deserved world champions after defeating defending champions Argentina in the final.
