Golden Ball winner Rodri says Spain deserved FIFA World Cup crown

Less than two years after suffering a serious knee ligament injury, the 30-year-old midfielder capped an unforgettable return by winning the Golden Ball as Spain lifted their second FIFA World Cup title.

The Manchester City star admitted the achievement had exceeded even his own expectations.

"It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn't expect this," Rodri said after collecting the Golden Ball.

He hopes his journey from injury to the top of world football will inspire young players.

"I'd love for the younger generations to see that a player who touches the heavens, then descends into hell, can come back. It's a lesson in overcoming adversity."

Rodri's latest success adds to an extraordinary list of honours. After winning the European Championship with Spain, the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City and the Ballon d'Or, he has now completed football's biggest collection of trophies.

Spain needed extra time to beat a determined Argentina side, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the final. Rodri praised his teammates for refusing to give up throughout the tournament.

"That's the secret of the national team," he said. "We're always going to go for you. In the end, God rewards you. We've been brave."

He also paid tribute to the squad after Spain defeated the defending world champions.

"We're on cloud nine. This squad is sensational. We're two-time World Cup champions. It was the toughest tournament in World Cup history. We beat a great Argentina side, featuring Lionel Messi, the best player in history."

Rodri believed Spain deserved their victory despite Argentina making life difficult in the final.

"Argentina are world champions. They haven't created much, but they're hard to break down. Spain are simply very good, and in the end, the result was fair."

Spain dominated the individual awards as well as the final.

Rodri was named the tournament's best player after controlling the midfield throughout the competition and delivering another outstanding performance in the final.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi won the Young Player of the Tournament award after an exceptional World Cup. The teenager helped Spain build the tournament's strongest defence and produced six clearances in the final as Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez were kept under control.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets and conceding just one goal during Spain's title-winning campaign.

The only major individual award to leave Spain went to France captain Kylian Mbappe, who won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals in eight matches. He finished two goals ahead of Messi in the race to be the tournament's leading scorer.

READ MORE: Spain crowned World Cup Champions with extra-time win against title-holders Argentina