FIFA World Cup 2026 Awards for Golden Ball, Boot and Glove Winners

FIFA announced the winners for the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and Golden Glove awards following Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina at Sunday's World Cup final.

Spanish midfielder Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best overall player, Kylian Mbappé was the Golden Boot winner as the top goal-scorer and Spain's Unai Simón won the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper.

The Golden Boot was no surprise—Kylian Mbappé came into the day with 10 goals at the tournament, two ahead of Lionel Messi. Messi would have needed either a hat trick to overtake him outright or a brace to begin the tiebreaker process (assists are the first tiebreaker, fewest minutes played the second).

The Golden Glove also seemed pretty obvious given Unai Simón's seven clean sheets throughout the tournament, a pretty remarkable run. Yes, Spain's defense and ability to stifle opponents through possession and game control played a huge part in those efforts, but Simón still only allowed one goal in eight games.

The Golden Ball, however, was a bit more up in the air. Lionel Messi had eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina to its third straight World Cup final. Mbappé had 10 goals and four assists, an incredible run despite France finishing fourth. His teammate, Michael Olise, had seven assists, a World Cup record.

But it was Spain defensive midfielder Rodri who claimed the award. Statistically, he wasn't dominant but his impact on Spain's ability to control games was undeniable. He's been recognized in the past for his ability to dominate, winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Spain defender Pau Cubarsí won the Young Player of the Tournament award.

Not too shabby for a 19-year-old.

In the final award given out on Sunday, Netherlands won the FIFA Fair Play Award.