Marc Cucurella lauded Rodri's leadership at the World Cup and believes he was the deserving winner of the Golden Ball.

Ferran Torres' extra-time goal secured Spain a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, earning them their second World Cup title.

Despite failing to win their opening game – a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde – Spain were a dominant force at the tournament, conceding just one goal en route to the title.

The Spain captain is also the fourth different men's player to win each of the World Cup, Euros, European Cup/Champions League and Ballon d'Or after Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer and Zinedine Zidane.

"For us, it's very important," Cucurella said of Rodri. "I think sometimes it's not about just scoring or assisting.

"He controlled everything. He organised the team. He decides when we press; he decides when we attack. And for us, it's very important.

"Every time we are under pressure, he gives us a chance to give him the ball. He never loses the ball. And I think he deserves this trophy because he played an amazing tournament."

Rodri was a key part of Spain's dominance. There are three instances on record (since 1966) of a player completing 100+ passes in a World Cup final, with two of those coming in 2026 – Rodri (101) and Pau Cubarsi (121).

He is the first Premier League player to win a World Cup Golden Ball.

His 756 successful passes at this World Cup were the most of any player at the tournament (ahead of Cubarsi on 671), while he also led the way for tackles attempted (23) and won (18) and ranked fourth for successful duels (49).

Spain are just the fourth team to win the Euros and the World Cup back-to-back, after West Germany (Euro 1972 and 1974 World Cup), France (1998 World Cup and Euro 2000) and Spain themselves (Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012).