Fabian Ruiz deserves the Ballon d’Or – so why is no one talking about him?

News

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

No one is talking about Fabian Ruiz as a potential Ballon d’Or winner, but there is no one more deserving than the PSG midfielder, who gave another reminder of his qualities in a 4-2 win over Barcelona at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

Ruiz tapped home PSG’s fourth to seal another thrilling victory and cap what was another impressive individual display.

But while the 30-year-old won the Champions League and World Cup during the 2025/26 season – the only player to do so – he will be little more than a footnote in the history of the game’s greatest individual award when the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or is announced on 26 October.

Ruiz is in the shadows compared to Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and even Kylian Mbappe, but while this is fitting in some ways given his role for PSG, he has repeatedly shown over the last year that he is a player worthy of far more recognition.

He scored only three goals last season and weighed in with six assists, yet his impact cannot be measured by mere statistics. Consistent excellence was his strength as opposed to highlight reel-grabbing moments that favour Lamine.

But while Ruiz is an expert at winning on-field battles, his fight against the PR weight of his international team-mate leaves him chasing shadows when it comes to the Ballon d’Or voting.

His value, however, is recognised by PSG, whose victory over Barca on Tuesday underlined their status as the best club side in the world.

Luis Enrique picked the 30-year-old ahead of Warren Zaire-Emery, a personal favourite of the manager, to start in the Champions League final against Arsenal, while his importance to Spain in the World Cup grew as the tournament progressed.

He forced his way into Spain’s starting XI for the quarter-final against Belgium, scored and was then never out of the side. Lamine Yamal, a more media-friendly candidate than the understated midfielder, failed to notch a goal or assist across La Roja’s five knockout games.

Fabian Ruiz gets Luis Enrique’s support for Ballon d’Or

With no one else publicly talking about him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner, Fabian Ruiz has tried to push his own case.

“It would be an honour for me to be able to lift the Ballon d'Or,” he told Telefoot (via Ouest France).

“With the trophies, physically and in my game, I'm at the best point in my career.

“At the team level, I've won everything. Individually, on a global scale, the only title I'm missing is the Ballon d'Or, to be recognised by everyone.”

This opinion has been echoed by Luis Enrique, who was captured on social media at PSG training, hailing the No.8 between exercises, reeling off his compatriot’s achievements: “World Cup, Euros, back-to-back Champions League titles, Nations League… Ballon d’Or!”

Braced for disappointment

Of course, no one seriously believes that Fabian Ruiz will receive such recognition. Steady midfield brilliance is rarely a substitute for flashy goals, assists or dribbles in such votes. This is particularly the case given he is flanked by Vitinha and Joao Neves at PSG, and Rodri with Spain, with this trio often hoovering up the plaudits.

His rise, meanwhile, is similar to that of Jorginho, who enjoyed a bounce in prominence late in his career, specifically after leading Italy to European Championship glory in 2021. He would finish third behind Lionel Messi, Fabian Ruiz’s PSG team-mate at the time, and Robert Lewandowski.

Ruiz does not have the weight of the Premier League or Spanish media pushing him even to those heights, suggesting that one of the all-time seasons of personal achievement will be pushed into the shade behind those less deserving.

Such is the frustrating nature of individual awards in a team sport.

Related stories:

€100m Barcelona star confirms he’s ready for Premier League move - and Liverpool want him

Cristiano Ronaldo in AC Milan talks as Al-Nassr future decided

Transfer Rumours: €100m for Riccardo Calafiori as Man Utd get serious over left-back signing