Fabian Ruiz's Ballon d'Or Claim After World Cup and Champions League Triumph
Fabian Ruiz has put his name firmly into the Ballon d'Or conversation – and he is not whispering it.
After a season in which he lifted both the World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, the midfielder believes his trophy haul gives him a unique edge in the race for football's biggest individual prize, despite losing three months to a knee injury.
"In terms of titles, no one has had a better season than me," he told L'Equipe, laying out his case with unusual clarity. "Individually, great players have had an excellent season. A World Cup with your country is the biggest title you can win."
Ruiz's argument is simple: when it comes to collective achievements, he feels his year stands alone. He missed a chunk of the campaign, but points to decisive moments and influence on the biggest stages as enough to justify serious consideration from voters.
He also knows the field is stacked. The Spain international openly namechecks the new wave, led by Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, widely viewed as one of the frontrunners for the award after a breakout season that has shifted the spotlight towards youth and flair.
This is not Ruiz’s first brush with the Ballon d'Or. Speaking to France Football, he reflected on finishing 24th in last year’s voting and what that experience meant.
"Where do I see myself in the Ballon d'Or race? That comes down to the voters," he said. "The most important thing for me is to put myself at the disposal of the team, while at the same time striving to be among the best. I was fortunate to be among the list of thirty nominees last year. Being among the thirty is a great honour."
That balance – team-first mentality with individual ambition – runs through his thinking. Midfielders traditionally sit in the shadow of goalscorers when awards season arrives, but Ruiz draws strength from a recent precedent close to home.
"Rodri won the Ballon d'Or two years ago," he reminded France Football. For Ruiz, that success cracked open a door for players who control games rather than finish them. He believes the landscape has shifted, that voters are increasingly ready to reward influence over highlight reels.
Although he recognises defenders and goalkeepers "still find it difficult to gain recognition", Ruiz insists the debate should now centre on what a player actually does for the team, not the label attached to his position.
"I believe what matters today is the role a player performs more than his position on the pitch," he said. That thought quickly turned into something broader, beyond his own candidacy. "And it is important to set an example for children who are starting to play football, so that they also look at midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers."
The message is clear: if Ruiz does muscle his way into the Ballon d'Or reckoning, he wants it to mean more than one midfielder’s crowning moment. He wants it to challenge how the game measures greatness – and who gets to dream of hearing their name called.
