Rodri of Spain has won the adidas Golden Ball for the . The midfielder was a steady presence in the centre of the park for La Roja in their eight matches, helping them win their second global crown.
His linking of defence with attack, timely interventions and pinpoint passing played a large role in Spain’s conquest, not least in the 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
In the decider, the 30-year-old completed 101 of 105 passes, won 80 per cent of his duels and created two chances. Across the whole tournament, meanwhile, his intelligent work supporting his defenders was one of the factors in Spain conceding just one goal in their eight matches.
1978: Mario Kempes (Argentina) 1982: Paolo Rossi (Italy) 1986: Diego Maradona (Argentina) 1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) 1994: Romario (Brazil) 1998: Ronaldo (Brazil) 2002: Oliver Kahn (Germany) 2006: Zinedine Zidane (France) 2010: Diego Forlan (Uruguay) 2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina) 2018: Luka Modric (Croatia) 2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The adidas Golden, Silver and Bronze Balls were first awarded at the 1978 FIFA World Cup™.
Sources: FIFA Official
