After 104 matches over nearly six weeks, the World Cup is over — and Spain captain Rodri has been named its best player, winning the Golden Ball trophy. Lionel Messi took the Silver Ball as second-best, with Kylian Mbappe claiming Bronze.
But the real story, according to BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty, was the Argentine magician who, at 39, was “the enduring inspiration of a nation and a football team.” McNulty recalled watching Messi “pull the strings” as Argentina chased England down in a dramatic semi-final. “Surprise, surprise. Lionel Messi,” he wrote.
“Rodri wins Golden Ball as Messi and Bellingham earn rave reviews from BBC Sport reporters.”
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists in eight games, while his leadership and football intelligence were hailed as vital. England reporter Alex Howell, however, singled out Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder, he said, “dragged England through by sheer force of will” and “took his game to another level.”
Michael Olise, the former Crystal Palace forward, left his mark with an astonishing seven assists — including a scissor-kick against Sweden that crashed against a post. “The whole press box erupted,” recalled one reporter.
Rodri, who anchored the tournament's best team, was described as “exceptional and so effective at the heart of the best team” and “irreplaceable” for both Spain and Manchester City.
Fans can now vote on chief football writer Phil McNulty's selections for best goal and best save, with the tournament's most memorable moments still up for debate.