Lance Joseph Martinez

Who is Rodri? Meet the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winner

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<p>After more than a month of shocking upsets, emotional moments, and unforgettable goals, the <strong>2026 FIFA World Cup </strong>has come to a thrilling close, with <strong>Spain</strong> reclaiming football&#x27;s biggest prize and lifting the coveted trophy once again.</p><p>While<strong> Ferran Torres</strong> emerged as one of the heroes of the final after scoring his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal to help secure Spain&#x27;s victory, much of the spotlight belonged to team captain <strong>Rodrigo Hernández Cascante</strong>, better known as <strong>Rodri</strong>, who was named the tournament&#x27;s <strong>Golden Ball</strong> winner.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da_vD0eDeFW/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A739152%2C%22ls%22%3A33749%2C%22le%22%3A34289%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="0" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px;min-width:326px;padding:0px;position:absolute"></iframe></div><blockquote class=" instagram-media-registered" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da_vD0eDeFW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" id="instagram-media-payload-1" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da_vD0eDeFW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:40px;margin-right:14px;width:40px"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:100px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:60px"><br/></div></div></div><div style="padding:19% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:block;height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"><br/></div><div style="padding-top:8px"><div style="color:#3897f0;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding:12.5% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;margin-bottom:14px;align-items:center"><div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(0px) translateY(7px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;height:12.5px;transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"><div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da_vD0eDeFW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup)</a></div></div></blockquote><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Rodri was recognized as the 2026 FIFA World Cup&#x27;s Best Player, while teammate<strong> Unai Simón</strong> took home the <strong>Golden Glove</strong> as the tournament&#x27;s top goalkeeper and <strong>Pau Cubarsí </strong>was named <strong>Best Young Player</strong>. Meanwhile, football legend <strong>Lionel Messi </strong>earned the<strong> Silver Ball</strong>, with France&#x27;s <strong>Kylian Mbappé </strong>receiving the<strong> Bronze Ball</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>As one of the world&#x27;s most accomplished footballers and now the face of Spain&#x27;s World Cup triumph, Rodri has captured the attention of fans across the globe. Here&#x27;s everything you need to know about the Spanish captain and Golden Ball winner who led La Roja to 2026 FIFA World Cup glory.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784527363899[image] - 7269503.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @fifaworldcup</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is 30 years old.</strong></div><p>Born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain, Rodrigo Hernández Cascante—better known as Rodri—grew up in the Spanish capital alongside his two siblings.</p><p>Raised by their parents,<strong> Antonio Hernández </strong>and<strong> Elena Cascante,</strong> Rodri and his brothers were brought up in a close-knit family that has largely stayed away from the public eye. Despite Rodri&#x27;s global fame, the family has remained private, with his father being the only one to occasionally speak to Spanish media in rare interviews.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He doesn&#x27;t have any social media accounts.</strong></div><p>Unlike many of today&#x27;s biggest football stars, Rodri has chosen to stay away from social media.</p><p>In an interview with<strong> BBC Sport</strong>, the Spanish midfielder shared that maintaining social media accounts has never been a priority, as he prefers a more traditional lifestyle centered on genuine, face-to-face interactions.</p><p>Rodri revealed that he made the decision when social media platforms were just beginning to grow in popularity, choosing instead to spend time outdoors with his longtime friends. For the World Cup-winning captain, real-life connections matter far more than the constant noise of the online world.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784526870777[image] - 5848207.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @mancity</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He earned a degree in Business Administration and Management.</strong></div><p>Despite his early success in football, Rodri&#x27;s parents always encouraged him to prioritize his education alongside his sporting career, a goal he ultimately achieved.</p><p>The Spanish midfielder earned a degree in<strong> Business Administration and Management</strong> from <strong>Jaume I University</strong> in Castellón, Spain. While developing through Villarreal&#x27;s youth academy, Rodri balanced the demands of professional football with university life, even choosing to live in student dormitories, a decision that reflected his grounded lifestyle and commitment to his studies.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has been with his partner since 2016.</strong></div><p>While pursuing his university degree, Rodri met his longtime girlfriend, <strong>Laura Iglesias</strong>, in 2016 at Jaume I University in Castellón, Spain. At the time, Rodri was studying Business Administration and Management, while Laura was pursuing a degree in <strong>Medicine</strong>.</p><p>Unlike many partners of high-profile football stars, Laura has built a career outside the spotlight. She is a medical professional who has dedicated herself to training as a surgeon, balancing her demanding career while supporting Rodri throughout his rise in football.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBrgXb3gy7P/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A1388071.0000000002%2C%22ls%22%3A33749%2C%22le%22%3A34289%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>He made his senior debut in 2015.</strong></div><p>Rodri&#x27;s rise to the top of world football began at <strong>Villarreal</strong>, where he steadily climbed through the club&#x27;s youth ranks before earning his breakthrough.</p><p>In February 2015, the then-18-year-old made his senior debut for <strong>Villarreal B</strong>, coming off the bench in a <strong>Segunda División B </strong>match. Just weeks later, he earned his first start, showcasing the composure and maturity that would soon become his trademark.</p><p>His impressive performances quickly caught the attention of Villarreal&#x27;s first team. In December 2015, Rodri made his senior first-team debut in the <strong>Copa del Rey</strong> before fulfilling another career milestone in April 2016, when he made his <strong>La Liga</strong> debut.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has been playing for Manchester City since 2019.</strong></div><p>After impressive stints with <strong>Villarreal</strong> and <strong>Atlético Madrid</strong>, Rodri took the biggest step of his club career when he joined <strong>Manchester City</strong> in July 2019. The <strong>Premier League </strong>champions secured the Spanish midfielder after activating his £62.8 million release clause, bringing him to <strong>Pep Guardiola</strong>&#x27;s star-studded squad.</p><p>Since then, Rodri has developed into one of Manchester City&#x27;s most indispensable players, playing a key role in the club&#x27;s domestic and European success. His impact on the pitch was further recognized in July 2022, when he signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2027.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784527305420[image] - 8508741.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @mancity</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He overcame a serious knee injury in 2024.</strong></div><p>Rodri&#x27;s career also faced one of its toughest challenges in 2024 when he suffered a serious knee injury during Manchester City&#x27;s Premier League match against <strong>Arsenal</strong>. The injury, which involved damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus, required a lengthy rehabilitation and sidelined him for most of the 2024–25 campaign.</p><p>After months of recovery and hard work, Rodri made his long-awaited return on May 20, 2025. He came on as a late substitute in Manchester City&#x27;s 3–1 victory over <strong>Bournemouth</strong>.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He won the Ballon d&#x27;Or in 2024.</strong></div><p>Rodri reached another career milestone in 2024 after winning the prestigious <strong>Ballon d&#x27;Or,</strong> becoming the first Manchester City player to receive football&#x27;s highest individual honor.</p><p>The Spanish midfielder was recognized following a remarkable season in which he helped Manchester City lift the <strong>Premier League</strong> title, <strong>UEFA Super Cup, </strong>and <strong>FIFA Club World Cup</strong>, while also captaining Spain to victory at<strong> UEFA Euro 2024.</strong></p><p>Presented annually by French magazine <strong>France Football</strong> since 1956, the Ballon d&#x27;Or is widely regarded as football&#x27;s most prestigious individual honor, recognizing the player judged to have delivered the best performances over the course of the previous season.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6vGMPjmlHKQ?si=gvq1mF0PKGycJ-ko" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has led Spain to multiple international titles.</strong></div><p>Rodri&#x27;s success with Spain extends far beyond the country&#x27;s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph. Throughout his international career, he has played a key role in one of the nation&#x27;s most successful eras, helping <strong>La Roja</strong> win the <strong>UEFA European Championship </strong>in<strong> </strong>2024<strong></strong>, the <strong>UEFA Nations League </strong>title in the 2022–23 season, and the<strong> FIFA World Cup</strong> in 2026. He was also part of the Spanish squad that finished as runners-up in the <strong>2020–21 UEFA Nations League.</strong></p><p>Long before becoming Spain&#x27;s senior team captain, Rodri had already enjoyed success on the international stage. He helped Spain win the <strong>UEFA European Under-19 Championship</strong> in 2015 before reaching the final of the <strong>UEFA European Under-21 Championship</strong> with the U21 national team in 2017.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is known for his exceptional playing style.<br/></strong></div><p>Known for his physicality and composure, Rodri has become one of the world&#x27;s top defensive midfielders. His strength and height allow him to consistently win tackles, duels, and aerial battles, making him a crucial presence in midfield.</p><p>He is also recognized for his passing accuracy, regularly completing more than 90% of his passes while controlling the tempo of the game. His ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch has made him an indispensable player for both Manchester City and Spain.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784527342719[image] - 7661504.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @fifaworldcup</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@mancity </strong>and<strong> @fifaworldcup</strong></p>

<p>Aside from lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, Rodri also took home the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament's best player—get to know Spain's World Cup-winning captain through these 10 facts.</p>

Aside from lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, Rodri also took home the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament's best player—get to know Spain's World Cup-winning captain through these 10 facts.

Who is Rodri? 10 Things to Know About the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winner

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Who is Rodri? 10 Things to Know About the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winner

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published July 20, 2026 02:35 PM PHT

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Updated July 20, 2026 02:37 PM PHT

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