Mbappe wins second straight World Cup Golden Boot as Spain dominate individual awards
Kylian Mbappe has become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer at the 2026 edition.
The France forward scored 10 goals in eight appearances to finish ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who ended the competition with eight goals.
Mbappe also claimed the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with eight goals, making him the first player to win the award at consecutive tournaments.
The 27-year-old also set another landmark by becoming the highest goalscorer in men’s World Cup history with 22 goals, moving one ahead of Messi.
Despite his personal achievements, Mbappe admitted he would have preferred to play in the final after France finished fourth following a 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off.
“I would have preferred not to be the top scorer and to have played in the final,” Mbappe said after the match.
Rodri named tournament’s best player
World champions Spain swept the major individual honours after defeating Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final.
Captain Rodri received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player following another influential campaign in midfield.
The Manchester City star added the award to previous honours that include the 2023 Ballon d’Or and UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament.
Messi collected the Silver Ball, while Mbappe received the Bronze Ball.
Simon and Cubarsi recognised
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was awarded the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal throughout the tournament and keeping seven clean sheets.
The Athletic Club shot-stopper played a key role in Spain’s run to their second World Cup title, producing several decisive saves during the knockout rounds.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player after an outstanding tournament.
The 19-year-old played every minute of Spain’s victorious campaign and anchored a defence that conceded only once in eight matches, including shutting out Argentina in the final.
Top scorers
Mbappe finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals, followed by Messi on eight.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Norway striker Erling Haaland both scored seven goals, while France forward Ousmane Dembele and England captain Harry Kane finished with six each.