Fabián Ruiz makes Ballon d’Or case after PSG and Spain trophy haul

Fabián Ruiz has placed himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation after a year in which he collected major honours with Paris Saint-Germain and Spain. The midfielder believes his contribution to trophy-winning sides gives him a legitimate case ahead of the ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, 2026.

What changed for the club

Ruiz has become an ever-present figure for PSG at the start of the new campaign, playing in each of the club’s eight matches in all competitions. He has recorded one goal and two assists while maintaining the form that followed a hugely successful previous 12 months.

The former Napoli midfielder won Ligue 1, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup with PSG. He also lifted the World Cup with Spain during the summer, leaving him convinced that collective achievement should carry considerable weight in voting for the individual award.

He said he intends to aim as high as possible in the Ballon d’Or rankings, arguing that he has won more titles than any rival in the period under consideration. Ruiz does not intend to run a public campaign, however, saying that task can be left to others.

Speaking about the award, Ruiz said there was no reason not to dream of winning it. He described the Ballon d’Or as a prize every player wants, while welcoming recognition for his work. He also stressed that football’s top individual honour should not be reserved for attacking players, pointing to Luka Modric and Rodri as recent winners whose roles were not based solely on scoring goals.

• PSG trophies: Ligue 1, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
• Spain honour: World Cup winner in the summer.
• 2026-27 PSG record so far: eight appearances, one goal and two assists.

Competition context

Ruiz said he believes he has won seven major titles in recent years and sees that record as the foundation of his candidacy. His position is that a player’s influence on winning teams should be judged alongside more conventional attacking numbers.

A victory would make Ruiz the third Ballon d’Or winner in PSG history. Lionel Messi won the prize in 2021, while Ousmane Dembélé claimed it last year. Ruiz would also become the fourth Spanish winner, after Alfredo Di Stéfano, Luis Suárez and Rodri.

The midfielder has also reflected on the personal support behind his rise, saying that he owes what he is and what he has achieved to his mother and all she has done for him.

What is scheduled next

The immediate decision lies with the Ballon d’Or voters, with the ceremony set for October 26 in London. Ruiz will hope that PSG’s four trophies, Spain’s World Cup success and his early-season contribution for the French champions place him near the top of the final standings.