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Spain Claims Three FIFA Awards, Simon Sets Clean-Sheet Record

7/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Spain swept three FIFA awards: Rodri earned the Golden Ball, Unai Simon the Golden Glove and Pau Cubarsi the Young Player honor.
Rodri started all eight World Cup matches despite ACL, hamstring and groin injuries.
Simon kept six clean sheets, the most by any goalkeeper at a single World Cup, and entered the final with nine career clean sheets.

History

Historical Context

Spain entered the 2010 World Cup as reigning European champions, opened with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, then won every match, beating Portugal with 62% possession in the round of 16. The victory made Spain the first European nation to win a World Cup outside Europe and set a final-match record of 14 yellow cards, underscoring its lasting impact.

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Story summary

Spain swept three FIFA awards: Rodri earned the Golden Ball, Unai Simon the Golden Glove and Pau Cubarsi the Young Player honor.
Rodri started all eight World Cup matches despite ACL, hamstring and groin injuries.
Simon kept six clean sheets, the most by any goalkeeper at a single World Cup, and entered the final with nine career clean sheets.

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