Fabián Ruiz is allowing himself to dream of the Ballon d'Or. Speaking to AS during the international break, the PSG midfielder did not shy away when asked about the prestigious trophy: 'Why not dream about it?'
His argument rests first on his track record. With PSG, the Spaniard has won two consecutive Champions Leagues, in 2025 and 2026. In that same 2025-2026 season, he was also crowned world champion with Spain. A starter in the final won against Argentina, he is the only one of the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or to have won both the Champions League and the World Cup during the period under review.
The Fabián Ruiz case
The Spanish midfielder does not build his case around goals or dribbles. He highlights the weight of the collective and his importance in PSG's and the Spanish national team's successes.
'At the collective level, I have been the player who has won the most titles. I believe that makes seven in recent years,' he explains to AS.
He adds that he has felt 'important at PSG, with the national team,' before concluding: 'Trying to finish as high as possible and, why not, dream about it?'
This candidacy nevertheless remains a peculiar one. Fabián is indeed among the 30 nominees, but his name appears behind several candidates given more prominence by the media in the debate surrounding the trophy. PSG in fact have ten representatives on the list, including Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabián Ruiz.
The Spaniard also defends a vision of the Ballon d'Or that is not limited to forwards. 'A team is eleven players plus those on the bench, and I think a defender or a goalkeeper has the same importance as a forward,' he explains. He then cites Luka Modrić and Rodrigo, two midfielders honoured in recent years, to illustrate the importance of recognising profiles other than just attacking players.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or will be awarded on 26 October in London, at the London Palladium Theatre.
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