Fabian Ruiz is being tipped by Spanish media and journalists as a genuine contender for the Ballon d’Or after completing an exceptional 2025-26 season with Paris Saint-Germain and Spain.
The midfielder has collected almost every major honour available, winning Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup with Spain before adding the UEFA Super Cup with Paris Saint-Germain.
That latest success came on Thursday, when Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup. The only major trophy missing from Ruiz’s campaign is the Coupe de France, with Luis Enrique’s side eliminated in the last 32 by Paris FC after a 1-0 defeat.
Several Spanish journalists believe that record puts Ruiz firmly into the conversation for the sport’s most prestigious individual award, even though he is not generally regarded as the most headline-grabbing player for either Spain or Paris Saint-Germain.
“Few players can say they have won the Champions League and the World Cup at the same time. Fabian can,” said Alvaro Martin of Marca. “In addition, he is a starter and an important player for both teams.”
He added: “His candidacy is based on trophies, consistency, control of the game and his central role. If the World Cup carries significant weight in the voting, it will be very difficult to ignore his candidacy.”
Ruiz’s role was questioned by some Spain supporters during the World Cup, after head coach Luis de la Fuente continued to select him in the starting line-up beyond the group stage instead of Pedri.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon defended his team-mate when asked about the decision during an interview with El Partidazo 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 acknowledged the player’s remarkable year when the squad returned to training. According to French broadcaster RMC, the coach joked with Ruiz about his long list of achievements.
“Fabian won the World Cup, and two years ago the Euros, the Champions League double, the Nations League… the Ballon d’Or,” Luis Enrique said with a smile.
Vitinha has also identified Ruiz as one of his preferred candidates for the award. Speaking at the news conference before the UEFA Super Cup, the Portugal international said his selection would come from within the Paris Saint-Germain squad.
“Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had an excellent season, especially in the Champions League. Ousmane Dembele had another great season, and Fabian Ruiz won everything. Those three are my choices,” said Vitinha.
Martin believes Ruiz’s contribution may finally receive the recognition it has sometimes 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,” the Marca journalist said.