World Cup 2026 final: Rodri could join Messi and Zidane in elite football club

Spanish star Rodri is one win away from completing football's rarest treble this Sunday in the USA after a phenomenal World Cup campaign.

Rodri’s dominant World Cup 2026 run serves as a powerful reminder of exactly why he captured the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

The midfield anchor arrived in North America surrounded by massive fitness doubts. Plagued by persistent physical issues throughout the grueling domestic season, many analysts questioned if he could handle the intense summer tournament schedule.

However, elite competitors deliver when the stakes are highest. After a slightly hesitant opening group stage appearance, the midfield general steadily shifted gears. He dictated the tempo perfectly throughout the knockout rounds, eventually orchestrating a historic, flawless masterclass to eliminate France in the semi finals.

The elusive triple crown

Now, La Roja’s tactical heartbeat stands on the brink of ultimate sporting immortality. Taking the pitch for Sunday's grand finale, Rodri has the unique opportunity to complete the holy trinity of football achievements:

• Winning the FIFA World Cup
• Lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy
• Claiming the Ballon d'Or

This specific combination of international dominance, club supremacy and the ultimate individual accolade represents the absolute pinnacle of a professional playing career.

An exclusive club of legends

History proves exactly how difficult this feat is as only ten players have ever secured all three major honors. The prestigious club was founded by English icon Bobby Charlton who claimed the 1966 World Cup and Ballon d'Or before securing European glory with Manchester United in 1968.

The list is heavily populated by generational icons featuring German powerhouses Gerd Müller & Franz Beckenbauer, Italian hero Paolo Rossi and French maestro Zinedine Zidane.

Brazilian flair is widely represented by Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká. Argentine legend Lionel Messi famously joined following his magical 2022 triumph in Qatar while the most recent inductee is French winger Ousmane Dembélé who completed the coveted set in 2025.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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