Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz says he wants to return to Real Betis and retire at the club where he spent 14 years before moving to Napoli in 2018.
The 30-year-old, currently with Spain for the UEFA Nations League, has won the Champions League twice with Paris Saint-Germain but remains closely attached to the club that developed him.
Ruiz told Spanish newspaper Okdiario that returning to Betis has long been an ambition and that the club continues to feel like home for both him and his family.
“Yes, I’ve always said that. I am a Betis man. Betis was my home, and it still is my home, and it is for my family too,” he said.
“I hope to end my career there, to retire with my fans, my team, and the club that gave me everything. I hope to wear that jersey again; that would be the best way to end my career.”
Ruiz was born in Los Palacios y Villafranca, in Sevilla province, and also used the interview to recognise the role played by his mother, who raised him alone.
“Without her help, I wouldn’t have been able to become a professional footballer. I always tell her that. All the trophies and achievements I have today are thanks to her,” he said.
The midfielder enjoyed a year of major success in 2026, winning important honours with both Paris Saint-Germain and the Spanish national team, including the World Cup.
However, he finished 10th in the latest Ballon d’Or voting, a position some observers viewed as unfair. Ruiz said simply reaching the top 10 was itself a significant achievement given the strength of the competition.
“There are many excellent players, and it’s very difficult to make it into the top ten. For me, that in itself is a great reward,” he said.
Unlike some of the other contenders, Ruiz did not make a public campaign for the award. Asked whether he regretted taking that approach, he said it was consistent with his personality.
“No, I don’t regret it at all. I am a low-key person when it comes to these things. Of course, I also hope to be ranked as high as possible, and that’s why I work hard and strive to improve every season.”
Ruiz has moved from 26th to 10th in the Ballon d’Or rankings in recent years and believes that progress reflects his development, although he accepts improving further will be challenging.
“I think I’ve been improving over the past few years. My ranking has gone from 26th to 10th, and now I hope to work hard to make this season even better, although I know it won’t be easy.”
