Golden Ball caps historic achievement
Rodri has added a World Cup winners' medal and the Golden Ball to a collection that now leaves no major gap. The Manchester City midfielder captained Spain to glory and was named the tournament's best player — an individual award that matched his influence on the biggest stage.
At 30, he has now won everything. Literally.
The Golden Ball, given to the standout performer across the competition, recognises a player who has been central to Spain's run. For City fans watching from afar, it was further confirmation of what they have seen week in, week out since his arrival at the Etihad.
There is no major trophy left for him to claim. Premier League titles, Champions League, European Championship with Spain, and now the World Cup — the list is exhaustive. The question, perhaps for Maresca and the coaching staff, is how to keep a player who has achieved it all still hungry for more when the 2026-27 season begins on 23rd August.
'He has completed football with no major trophy left for him to claim.'
Pre-season starts against Inter Milan on 1st August. Rodri will arrive back at the CFA with a Golden Ball in his luggage and the knowledge that his place in the game's history is now beyond dispute. For a player who arrived relatively unheralded from Atletico Madrid, the trajectory has been remarkable — but that is a story for another day.