World Cup 2026 Individual Awards: Rodri Wins MVP, Mbappe Golden Boot

FIFA has announced the individual award winners for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Rodri (Spain) won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP, while Kylian Mbappe (France) claimed his second straight Golden Boot as top scorer, setting a new tournament goalscoring record. Here’s a full rundown of every award winner, the key stats behind each pick, and how fans reacted. (Published July 20, 2026)

Spain dominated the individual awards after winning the 2026 World Cup title

All 2026 World Cup Individual Award Winners

FIFA confirmed the full list of individual honors immediately after the final. Spain, the tournament champion, swept three of the five major awards.

Golden Ball (MVP)	Rodri (Spain)
Golden Boot (Top Scorer)	Kylian Mbappe (France)
Golden Glove (Best GK)	Unai Simon (Spain)
Best Young Player	Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
FIFA Fair Play Award	Netherlands

Rodri Wins the Golden Ball as Tournament MVP

Spain’s midfield anchor Rodri was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, taking home the Golden Ball. Rodri controlled tempo from deep midfield throughout the knockout stage, anchoring a Spain side that conceded remarkably few clear chances on the way to the title. It’s a continuation of Rodri’s award-laden run in recent years, following his Ballon d’Or win, and cements his status as one of the sport’s premier holding midfielders.

Mbappe’s Golden Boot Sets a New Scoring Record

Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer for the second consecutive World Cup, following his title at Qatar 2022. His goal tally across the 2026 tournament pushed him past his own previous best, giving him a new record for goals scored across a player’s World Cup career among active stars. Despite France falling to Spain in the final, Mbappe’s finishing was decisive throughout the knockout rounds.

Mbappe’s tournament continued the rivalry storylines from the 2022 World Cup final

Golden Glove and Best Young Player Also Go to Spain

Unai Simon: Golden Glove

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, winning the Golden Glove. His shot-stopping in the knockout rounds, including a key semifinal save against France, was central to Spain’s title run.

Pau Cubarsi: Best Young Player

19-year-old Spain center-back Pau Cubarsi took home the Best Young Player award, capping a breakout tournament in which he started every knockout match for the champions.

FIFA Fair Play Award: Netherlands

The Netherlands earned FIFA’s Fair Play Award, recognizing the squad with the best disciplinary record and sporting conduct across the tournament.

Fan Reactions on X

“Rodri completely deserved the Golden Ball — Spain barely conceded a clear chance in the knockouts because of him.” — fan reaction on X

“Mbappe going back-to-back on the Golden Boot even after losing the final is insane consistency.” — fan reaction on X

“Spain basically swept the individual awards on top of the trophy. Total domination.” — fan reaction on X

FAQ

Who won the World Cup 2026 Golden Ball?

Spain’s Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Who won the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup?

France’s Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot as top scorer, his second consecutive World Cup scoring title.

Who won the Golden Glove?

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Which team won the Fair Play Award?

The Netherlands received FIFA’s Fair Play Award for the 2026 tournament.

Award details are based on official FIFA announcements. Please check official FIFA sources for the latest updates.