Spanish midfielder Rodri has had his name etched alongside some of football’s greatest legends after completing one of the sport’s rarest honors since La Roja. fifa world cup Victory in 2026. As Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final, Rodri became the fourth player in history to win the World Cup, European Cup, uefa champions league and Ballon d’Or, joining a group led by Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer and Zidane. The 30-year-old also won the FIFA World Cup Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the competition, to cap off a remarkable tournament after being a central figure in Spain’s unbeaten victory. After an outstanding season in 2024, Rodri is already a European Cup winner and Ballon d’Or winner, with Spain adding another major milestone to his illustrious career by winning the World Cup for the second time. The midfielder was instrumental throughout the game, featuring in all eight matches and controlling the tempo from the center of the pitch. He completed more passes, went further and involved more players than any other player in the competition, underscoring his influence at both ends of the pitch. Rodri also set a new record with 756 successful passes, the highest number of passes completed by any player in a single FIFA World Cup in the past 60 years. The previous best was 638 passes himself at the 2022 World Cup, while Spanish defender Paulo Cubasi is second on the 2026 list with 671 passes. Aymeric Laporte (616 in 2026) and Xavi (596 in 2010) round out the top five. His vision proved equally decisive. Rodri has made 122 line-breaking passes at this World Cup, the most of any player since fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso completed 126 line-breaking passes at the 2010 World Cup. The final against Argentina highlighted why Rodri was named the tournament’s best player. He completed 101 of 105 passes, won 80 per cent of his duels and created two chances, helping Spain control much of the game before Ferran Torres scored the winner in extra time. Rodri’s work without the ball is equally valuable. His clever positioning and defensive support have helped Spain concede just once in eight games, the fewest of any World Cup-winning side. The World Cup Ballon d’Or adds another prestigious individual accolade to Rodri’s collection, and he was also named the best player at Euro 2024 and went on to win the Ballon d’Or later that year. The Spanish team also won the individual awards in this tournament. Paulo Cubasi was named the tournament’s best young player, while goalkeeper Unai Simon was awarded the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets during Spain’s victory. With the addition of the World Cup, Rodri has cemented his place among the greatest midfielders in football history, joining an elite list of players whose achievements span the biggest team trophies and the sport’s highest individual honors.
