Luis Enrique puts Fabian Ruiz in the frame for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Luis Enrique has made a surprise choice in the 2026 Ballon d’Or debate by naming Fabian Ruiz as his leading contender for the prestigious individual award.

The Paris Saint-Germain manager believes Ruiz’s remarkable collection of honours with club and country gives him a compelling case, after an exceptional season in which the midfielder helped secure some of football’s biggest trophies.

Speaking during Paris Saint-Germain training hours before the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, Luis Enrique said, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, that Ruiz had a “very strong” chance of challenging for the award.

The Spain international’s achievements include winning the World Cup, the European Championship, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Nations League. Luis Enrique also highlighted the fact that Ruiz has won the Champions League in two successive seasons.

“Fabi won the World Cup, the European Championship two years ago, the Champions League twice in a row, the Nations League… the Ballon d’Or! The Ballon d’Or for sure!” said the Spanish coach.

Support for Ruiz also came from Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, who believes his team-mate already possesses an outstanding record and is missing only the biggest individual prize in the game.

“All that is missing is the Ballon d’Or, that’s all,” said Marquinhos.

Ruiz has played an important part in Paris Saint-Germain’s recent successes and has established himself as a key figure for Spain under Luis de la Fuente.

His honours with the French club include the Ligue 1 title, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the French Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. He has also been one of the influential players in Spain’s national team during the same period.

Ruiz faces strong competition

The midfielder now has a significant opportunity to join the list of Ballon d’Or winners, having developed in recent years from a promising player into one of the most highly regarded midfielders in world football.

However, Ruiz is competing against a deep field of established stars. The leading names in the race include France captain Kylian Mbappe, England striker Harry Kane, Spain forward Lamine Yamal, France international Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Norway striker Erling Haaland.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also being viewed as a potential surprise contender who could alter the balance of the competition. The Georgia international played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain winning the UEFA Champions League for a second consecutive season, despite not appearing at the World Cup.

Kvaratskhelia recorded 10 goals and six assists in 16 matches in the European competition. He made an especially direct impact during the knockout stages, contributing to 10 goals through six goals and four assists.

According to the figures cited in the report, those performances earned Kvaratskhelia the award for the UEFA Champions League’s best player of the season.

The Ballon d’Or race therefore remains open, with several leading candidates having strong claims. Winning the World Cup is regarded as an important factor, but it does not automatically decide the award.

The prize is intended to recognise the best player across the entire season rather than simply the outstanding performer at the World Cup.