Dani Ceballos backs Fabian Ruiz for 2026 Ballon dOr ahead of Mbappe

Dani Ceballos has entered the debate over the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or by naming Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz as his choice to win the award.

The Real Betis midfielder came on as a substitute during his side’s 1-0 victory over Getafe on Thursday in the sixth round of La Liga.

After the match, Ceballos was asked for his view on who should receive this year’s individual prize. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, he selected Ruiz, with whom he has been friends since the pair were together at the Andalusian club’s academy.

Ceballos, a former Real Madrid player, pointed to Ruiz’s achievements with Paris Saint-Germain and Spain. He said the midfielder had won almost everything at collective level, including the World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

“If Fabian Ruiz does not win it, then let Kylian Mbappe win it,” Ceballos said.

His comments were widely circulated by Spanish media, including Estadio Deportivo and El Chiringuito, as the discussion over the 2026 Ballon d’Or continues.

The recommendation places Ruiz ahead of several of the names most commonly associated with the award, while Ceballos also identified Kylian Mbappe as his alternative choice.