France forward becomes the first player to win two World Cup Golden Boots, while champions Spain sweep the Golden Ball, Golden Glove and Best Young Player awards.
Kylian Mbappé emerged as the biggest individual winner at the World Cup Awards 2026, becoming the first footballer to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals.
The France captain edged Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who finished with eight goals, to retain the Golden Boot he first won at Qatar 2022, making him the first player to claim the award in consecutive World Cups.
Mbappé also set another milestone, taking his career tally to 22 World Cup goals, the highest in the history of the men’s tournament, overtaking Messi’s 21.
The Real Madrid forward reached double figures despite France finishing fourth after a 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off, where he scored twice.
“I would have preferred to be playing in the final than winning the Golden Boot,” Mbappé said after the match. “It will matter more when I look back on my career.”
Spain dominate the World Cup Awards 2026
While Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot, newly crowned world champions Spain swept the remaining honours at the World Cup Awards 2026, underlining their dominance throughout the tournament.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, after orchestrating Spain’s run to a second FIFA World Cup title.
Rodri added the honour to a growing collection of individual accolades that includes the Ballon d’Or and UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi received the Silver Ball, while Mbappé completed the podium by taking the Bronze Ball.
Unai Simón wins Golden Glove
Spain goalkeeper, Unai Simón, was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper after conceding only one goal in eight matches.
The Athletic Club shot-stopper kept seven clean sheets as Spain produced one of the strongest defensive performances in World Cup history.
Pau Cubarsí named Best Young Player
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí completed Spain’s clean sweep of the World Cup Awards 2026 after winning the Best Young Player prize.
The 19-year-old played every minute of Spain’s victorious campaign and anchored a defence that allowed only one goal throughout the tournament.
World Cup Awards 2026: Full list of winners
Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain)
Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
Silver Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappé (France)
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