Spain captain Rodri is being praised in the Spanish media for 'standing up' to United States President Donald Trump during the World Cup trophy ceremony after the final at MetLife Stadium. The Manchester City midfielder refused to lift the trophy until Trump, who had handed over the prize, stepped out of the frame for the official photograph.
Spain's victory and tense match
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. The match was scrappy and bad-tempered, with Argentina reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card. Spain dominated possession with 65%, while Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a record 11 saves in a men's World Cup final. This is Spain's second World Cup title, following their 2010 victory, and comes two years after their Euro 2024 triumph under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Post-match brawl and tensions
The ill feeling extended beyond the final whistle. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina punched Rodri, sparking a mass brawl involving both sets of players. Later, Nicolas Otamendi accused Rodri and Spain's squad of influencing referee Slavko Vincic throughout the match. Argentina received six yellow cards in total.
Trump's stage presence and Rodri's response
As Spain gathered on the podium to lift the trophy, Trump stood awkwardly beside the squad and refused to leave after presenting the prize. Rodri and FIFA president Gianni Infantino attempted to shepherd him away. Rodri waited until Trump finally exited the stage after gentle persuasion. Spanish presenter Dani Garrido said on Cadena Ser's Carrusel Deportivo: 'Bravo to the captain of the Spanish national team who stood his ground and stood up to Donald Trump leaving the photo. Only when he confirmed he was out of frame did he lift the trophy. That takes a lot of personality. Bravo to Rodri, it's no joke.'
Fans on social media praised Rodri's actions. One wrote: 'Spain national team captain Rodri gently sends Trump out of the shot. Long live the captain!' Another said: 'No surprise Trump didn't want to leave the stage. Love how Rodri tried to shoo him off. Even Infantino couldn't get him off!' A third joked: 'Rodri has controlled the pace of the match to the point of scaring off Trump. Everything calculated.'
Rodri's personal journey and comments
Rodri thanked Spain's fans for their support after a difficult 12 months following knee surgery. 'Individual titles are secondary for me. These past two years have been tough, a time of growth and self-belief,' he told reporters. 'I've been able to unleash my full potential, given my physical condition. I've performed at a high level progressively, and I thank you all for your support. Everything I'm going through doesn't make much sense. I try to do the best I can. I hit rock bottom at one of the toughest points in my career, and I managed to pull myself back up. There's someone helping me from above.'
Despite Argentina's tactics, Rodri applauded Lionel Scaloni's squad for reaching back-to-back World Cup finals. 'It's true they didn't create many chances, but it was difficult for us to hurt them. They're a team that speaks for itself; they've made history in their own way, with the Copa America, with the World Cup, reaching another final. Incredible achievement. For me, the feat we accomplished today is beyond words. The most difficult World Cup to win, and this group of lads has done it.'
Awards and achievements
Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and central defender Pau Cubarsi was named best young player. France's Kylian Mbappe became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice, finishing as top scorer with ten goals.
