Rodri is celebrating a golden performance at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

The 30-year-old Spanish professional footballer, who captains the Spain national team, won the Golden Ball as the World Cup‘s best player this year.

Rodri earned the award for captaining Spain’s run to their second World Cup title. Lionel Messi had to settle for the Silver Ball, with France’s Kylian Mbappé taking the Bronze Ball.

Rodri picked up his award following Spain’s victory over Argentina 1-0 in the championship match on Sunday.

“This group is incredible,” Rodri said. “We are two-time world champions. It’s a tough feat, the hardest one to achieve. And we won it against a team like Argentina.”

Having won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, the Golden Ball completes Rodri’s return to the top of the sport after rupturing his right ACL almost two years ago.

The Manchester City midfielder didn’t have a goal in the tournament, but his passing and controlling the possession are central to the way Spain plays.

He became just the 11th man to win the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and Ballon d’Or.