New Jersey, July 20 -- Spain captain Rodri said his journey from the heights of world football to the despair of a serious knee injury and back to the summit again should serve as an inspiration to young players after La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title on Sunday (local time).

Named Player of the Tournament after another commanding campaign, the 30-year-old reflected on his remarkable comeback less than two years after rupturing his knee ligaments.

"It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn't expect this," Rodri said after receiving FIFA's Golden Ball award, as quoted by Reuters.

"I'd love for the younger generations to see that a player who touches the heavens, then descends in...