Kylian Mbappe etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after becoming the first footballer to win the prestigious Golden Boot award at multiple editions of the tournament. Although France finished fourth at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mbappe’s remarkable goal-scoring exploits ensured he walked away with the competition’s top scorer award for the second consecutive time.
The 27-year-old forward finished the tournament with 10 goals and four assists, reclaiming the Golden Boot after Lionel Messi failed to score or register an assist in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
While Mbappe celebrated another individual milestone, newly crowned world champions Spain dominated the awards ceremony after lifting their second FIFA World Cup title.
Midfield maestro Rodri was named the recipient of the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, while goalkeeper Unai Simon claimed the Golden Glove after producing a series of outstanding performances throughout Spain’s title-winning campaign.
Teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi was honoured with the Best Young Player Award, edging out his 19-year-old Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, who also enjoyed an exceptional tournament.
Mbappe Makes World Cup History
Mbappe’s Golden Boot triumph marks another landmark achievement in an already glittering international career.
The French superstar had entered the final weekend level with Lionel Messi on eight goals, but Messi held the advantage through the tie-breaker thanks to one additional assist.
However, Mbappe produced a sensational display in France’s 6-4 victory over England in the third-place playoff, scoring twice and providing an assist to finish with 10 goals—the highest tally at a World Cup since German legend Gerd Müller scored 10 goals at the 1970 tournament.
His performance also made him the first player in history to finish as the leading scorer in multiple FIFA World Cups, having previously won the Golden Boot during the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Messi Misses Out on Historic Double
Lionel Messi entered the final hoping to guide Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles while also strengthening his claim for a record-extending third Golden Ball.
Although the 39-year-old inspired Argentina to another World Cup final, he was unable to make an impact against Spain, finishing the match without a goal or an assist for the first time in his last 12 World Cup appearances.
Messi concluded the tournament with eight goals and four assists, eventually receiving the Silver Ball, while France captain Mbappe’s late surge denied him a maiden Golden Boot—one of the few major individual honours missing from his illustrious career.
Spain Dominate World Cup Awards
Spain’s historic World Cup triumph was reflected in the tournament’s individual honours.
Rodri’s commanding performances in midfield earned him the Golden Ball, while Unai Simon was rewarded with the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal in eight matches, setting a new defensive benchmark for a World Cup-winning team.
Pau Cubarsi’s composed performances throughout the tournament secured him the Best Young Player Award, highlighting Spain’s bright future alongside fellow teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The winners of the Golden Ball, Golden Glove and Best Young Player awards were selected by members of the international media from a shortlist prepared by FIFA’s Technical Study Group.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Individual Award Winners
- Golden Ball: Rodri (Spain)
- Silver Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappe (France)
- Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappe (France)
- Silver Boot: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Bronze Boot: Jude Bellingham (England)
- Golden Glove: Unai Simon (Spain)
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
- Fair Play Award: Netherlands