Fabian Ruiz’s World Cup and Champions League haul puts Ballon d’Or in view

Fabian Ruiz has been backed by Spanish media and journalists as a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or after an exceptional season in which he won the Ligue 1 title, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA World Cup with Spain and the UEFA Super Cup with Paris Saint-Germain.

The midfielder completed that remarkable run of honours on Thursday, when Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup. The only major trophy missing from Ruiz’s 2025-26 collection is the Coupe de France, after PSG were eliminated in the round of 32 by Paris FC, who won 1-0.

Several Spanish journalists believe Ruiz’s list of achievements makes him a credible candidate for the game’s most prestigious individual award, even though he is not generally regarded as the most high-profile player either for Spain or Paris Saint-Germain.

Alvaro Martin, of Spanish newspaper Marca, said Ruiz’s combination of success and importance to both teams should not be overlooked.

“How many players can say they have won the Champions League and the World Cup at the same time? Fabian can. In addition, he is a starting and important player for both teams,” Martin said.

He added: “His nomination is based on trophies, consistency, control of the game and his central role. If the World Cup carries significant weight in the voting, it is very difficult to ignore his candidacy.”

Ruiz’s place in Spain’s starting XI was not universally accepted during the World Cup. Some supporters questioned manager Luis de la Fuente’s decision to select him after the group stage ahead of Pedri.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon defended his team-mate when asked about the issue on El Partidazo de COPE, a programme on the COPE network.

“Fabian is also a huge talent. He has won the Champions League twice in a row,” said Simon.

“Outside, they make a big story out of it, otherwise what would they talk about? Inside the group there is nothing like that. We all want to play, and when we are not starters we want to come on and contribute.”

Luis Enrique, Ruiz’s manager at Paris Saint-Germain, also referred to the midfielder’s extraordinary run of success when the squad returned to training. According to French broadcaster RMC, Enrique joked with Ruiz and said with a smile: “Fabian has won the World Cup, two years ago the Euros, two Champions League doubles, the Nations League… the Ballon d’Or.”

Vitinha made clear before the UEFA Super Cup that, if he had a vote, he would select a player from Paris Saint-Germain for the award.

“Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had an excellent season, especially in the Champions League. Ousmane Dembele had another great season, and Fabian Ruiz won everything. These three are my choices,” said the Portugal international.

Martin concluded by arguing that Ruiz’s achievements could finally bring him the recognition he has often lacked.

“Lamine Yamal said it before, Fabian Ruiz is an underrated player. But perhaps he will not be this year, and people will recognise him.”