Kylian Mbappé has become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot on more than one occasion. The French forward won the award presented to the top goalscorer of the tournament for the second time, despite France being knocked out in the semi-finals.
The 27-year-old finished the tournament with 10 goals, a tally that proved beyond the reach of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, whose side were unable to overcome a disciplined Spanish defence in the final.
Mbappé's campaign ended a day earlier, when he scored twice in France's 6-4 defeat by England in the third-place play-off. Those goals secured the tournament's top scorer award and further cemented his place among the greatest goalscorers in World Cup history.
Mbappé also surpassed Messi as the competition's all-time leading scorer, taking his career tally to 22 goals in the same number of World Cup appearances. Messi, who had overtaken former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's long-standing record earlier in the tournament, finished on 21 goals. The final may also have marked the 39-year-old Messi’s last appearance at a World Cup.
Mbappé's scoring consistency was a defining feature of France's campaign. Eight of his 10 goals came in four separate matches, against Iraq, Senegal, Sweden and England. His total of 10 goals also made him the first player to reach double figures at a single World Cup since Germany's Gerd Müller in 1970.
While Mbappé collected the tournament's Golden Boot, Spain dominated the individual honours following their second World Cup triumph.
Midfielder Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Although he did not score or register an assist during Spain's eight matches, his influence was evident through his control of midfield, completing more passes, covering more distance and recording more involvements than any other player at the tournament. He also played a key role in limiting Messi's impact in the final.
Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets, a new World Cup record, while teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named best young player.
The pair helped Spain concede just one goal and allow only 10 shots on target throughout the tournament.
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