Golden Ball winner credits resilience, bravery and team maturity after inspiring Spain to World Cup triumph and completing an unforgettable comeback from injury.
Rodri has admitted it may take time for Spain’s World Cup triumph to fully sink in after captaining his country to a memorable 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
The Manchester City midfielder delivered another dominant display and capped off an outstanding tournament by lifting the trophy before being named the Golden Ball winner as the competition’s best player.
Reflecting on the achievement, Rodri said he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment, especially after overcoming the serious ACL injury he suffered in September 2024.
“We’re all still in shock,” he said. “It’s difficult to describe with words. Right now, it feels like we’re living in a dream, but it’s been an incredibly difficult journey for me.”
The Spain captain hopes his comeback will inspire others facing setbacks, insisting that adversity can be overcome with resilience and a positive mindset.
“I want younger generations to see my story as proof that when life knocks you down, you can get back up again. That’s the philosophy I’ve always lived by. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t, but you must always stay positive.”
Rodri also revealed the message he delivered to his teammates before the final, urging them to face Argentina without fear.
“I told the players we had to be brave, look them in the eyes and go after the game. Whether football rewards you with the World Cup or not, you have to be courageous.”
He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him through his rehabilitation, while also acknowledging his own determination.
“I want to thank everyone who helped me through those difficult moments. But I also want to thank myself for never giving up.”
Looking back on Spain’s progress since winning the European Championship, Rodri believes the team’s maturity has been the key factor behind their World Cup success.
“This team has grown every single day. We faced different opponents, different styles and different challenges, and we found ways to handle them all. That’s the sign of a team that has matured.”
He added that Spain’s latest triumph is another milestone for a remarkable generation of players.
“We’re making history for our country, not just because we won, but because of the way we achieved it.”
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