Fabian Ruiz has made his case for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a season in which he won both the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and the World Cup with Spain.
The Spanish midfielder, speaking after training in Las Rozas, Madrid, on September 24, 2026, said his achievements place him in legitimate contention for the award, which will be presented on October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre.
Ruiz remains the only player this season to start and win in both the Champions League and World Cup finals.
He has contributed to seven major team trophies in recent years across club and international competitions.
Ruiz Lets Performances Speak
The 30-year-old said he prefers to let his performances on the pitch speak for themselves rather than launching an active public campaign like other nominees.
"I prefer that people campaign for me, rather than campaigning myself," Ruiz told Onda Cero.
"I think it's pointless for me to campaign. In the end, everyone knows the titles I won last season.
I'm the player who has won the most titles, but I leave the media campaign to others."
"We all like to be recognized for our work, and I think that ultimately, it's good to be recognized for all the work you do."
Ruiz also highlighted a broader shift in how individual football awards are evaluated, noting that non-attacking players are increasingly recognized alongside primary goalscorers.
"In recent years, the other positions have gained great importance and value, which is extremely important in my opinion," he said.
"The team is made up of 11 players, including the substitutes, and I think the defender or goalkeeper is no less important than the forward."
"This is important for the world of football, and especially for young players, to look at the other positions too, not just at scoring goals.
Matches are decided by scoring goals, but winning in the end is the effort of the whole team."
Addressing his personal feelings on pursuing individual honors following his team's collective victories, Ruiz maintained an optimistic outlook on his nomination.
"The truth is that, at team level, I was the player who won the most titles, I think it's seven titles in recent years," he said.
"I'm very happy with this season and with what I've achieved.
I feel my importance at Paris Saint-Germain and with the national team, and that's important for any player."
The midfielder reflected on the recognition he has received from fans, media, and fellow professionals during his recent career run.
"The Ballon d'Or is a wonderful title, something every player wishes to win, for people to talk about me," said Ruiz.
"It makes me happy that my efforts are appreciated. I'll try to finish the season in the highest possible position, and why not dream about it?"
"I won't lie to you, all players like to be appreciated for their efforts, just like in any other profession."
Ruiz praised his club teammate Ousmane Dembele, who won the award the previous year, noting the collaborative spirit inside the Paris Saint-Germain dressing room.
"Ousmane is a very friendly person, and he always says that teamwork is the key to individual awards, and that without his team's help he would not have achieved it," said Ruiz.
"He thoroughly deserved it."
Regarding the overall list of nominees, Ruiz expressed support for all candidates, particularly those sharing a locker room with him at club level.
"If one of my dressing room team-mates wins, it will be much better," said Ruiz.
"Sometimes I don't want to say it out loud so as not to break the run, but yes, 50 matches with the national team without defeat, let's hope it continues for longer.
That would be good for me, but above all for the national team."
He expressed gratitude toward the support from fans, coaches, and teammates who have supported his career development.
"I've always said it, I'm happy with the affection I see from people," said Ruiz.
"I'm appreciated by those who matter to me, those close to me: my coaches, my team-mates. That's what matters most to me, those I spend every day with.
Being appreciated for one's work is always a beautiful thing."
Reflecting on the personal significance of July 19, the date he won the World Cup final, Ruiz noted its dual importance for his family.
"Why not dream of winning the Ballon d'Or?" asked Ruiz.
"People stop us in the street to thank us."
He shared details about his mindset prior to taking the pitch in major international fixtures.
"I'm a calm person, but on the day of the final, when I went to the bench… That's when I was super nervous," said Ruiz.
"Well, why not? The truth is that, collectively, I've been the player who has won the most trophies.
I think it's been seven over the last few years."
Ruiz reiterated his satisfaction with his contribution to both club and country throughout the campaign.
"I'm very happy with this season and with what I've achieved," said Ruiz. "I've felt important at PSG, and with the national team.
That's important for any player, and especially for me."
He concluded by reflecting on the validation that comes with external recognition of professional success.
"The Ballon d'Or is a beautiful award, something every player wants to win," said Ruiz.
"The fact that people are talking about me makes me happy, because it means they're recognising the work I've done."
Ruiz reaffirmed his determination to maintain high standards across all ongoing competitions.
"So, I'll try to finish as high as possible," said Ruiz. "Why not dream of winning it?"
He noted the standard comparison between offensive players and other positions across football history.
"Every player likes having their work recognised, just like people in any other profession," said Ruiz.
"If you do your job well, and people on the outside recognise that you're doing well and that you've had a good season, it feels good to get that recognition."
Ruiz reiterated that defensive and mid-pitch players carry equal structural importance to winning matches.
"Everyone knows it's normal for forwards to have better numbers than midfielders, defenders or goalkeepers," said Ruiz.
"It's harder for a defender to put up a forward's numbers, but I think, in recent years, people have started placing much more value and importance on other positions, which I think is very important."
He emphasized that individual accolades remain secondary to overall squad achievements.
"A team is made up of 11 players plus the players on the bench, and I think a defender or goalkeeper is just as important as a forward," said Ruiz.
"In recent years, we've seen Modric and Rodri win it. That's important for soccer, and, above all, for young players.
It encourages them to look at other positions too, rather than just the players who score goals, although obviously that's important as well.
You win games by scoring goals, but it takes the whole team."
Ten Paris Saint-Germain players made the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 award, including summer signing Ferran Torres, alongside international teammates Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Marc Cucurella, and Pau Cubarsi.
