Fabian Ruiz Becomes Front‑Runner for 2026 Ballon d’Or After Praise from Luis Enrique and Vitinha
Fabian Ruiz has vaulted into the spotlight as a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following public endorsements from Paris Saint‑Germain manager Luis Enrique and teammate Vitinha. The Spanish midfielder’s unprecedented haul of trophies – two consecutive Champions League titles with PSG, a UEFA Super Cup double, the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2024 – has convinced the club’s hierarchy that he is the missing piece in the award’s shortlist.
Enrique made his case clear in a training‑session video released by PSG’s official channels, listing Ruiz’s achievements: “Fabian Ruiz has won the World Cup, the Euros two years ago, back‑to‑back Champions Leagues, the Nations League… All that is missing is the Ballon d’Or.” The manager’s emphatic nod to the midfielder’s résumé was echoed by Vitinha during the UEFA Super Cup press conference, where he said, “For me, it would be normal to have a PSG player like Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, or Fabian, who has won everything.”
Ruiz’s impact goes beyond silverware. Since his senior debut in 2019, Spain have remained unbeaten in every match he has featured in, compiling a 50‑match unbeaten run that includes the 2024 Nations League, Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup triumph. His versatility – operating as a deep‑lying pivot, a wide operator or a central builder – has made him the tactical engine of Luis Enrique’s side, providing fluidity and space coverage that few peers can match.
The midfielder’s own remarks underline his confidence. Speaking to , Ruiz said, “The truth is that this past year has been incredible… I’m very fortunate to win so many trophies, and we have to keep working to win more.” When asked about the growing discourse around his candidacy, he added, “People tell me that a lot. It’s a source of pride that they talk about me being on the list. In terms of titles, I don’t think I’m lacking, and honestly, it’s an honor to be there. Hopefully I can win it—why not?”
Ruiz’s recent performances have reinforced his claim. After returning to PSG training on Monday, he came off the bench in a 2‑1 win over Aston Villa, helping the club secure a historic second consecutive UEFA Super Cup – a feat achieved by only AC Milan and Real Madrid before. His presence in all four cup finals he has featured in for PSG – the 2023‑24 Coupe de France, two Champions League finals and the 2026 Super Cup – underscores his reputation as a lucky charm for the French giants.
While strikers Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane continue to rack up prolific goal tallies, the Ballon d’Or voters now face a dilemma between individual brilliance and collective success. The endorsements from both a world‑renowned coach and a fellow teammate have tilted the narrative in Ruiz’s favour, positioning him as the embodiment of the award’s original ethos: rewarding the player who has most significantly shaped his team’s triumphs.
As the voting window opens later this year, all eyes will be on the Spanish midfielder to see whether the accolades from his club and country can finally translate into the sport’s most coveted individual honor.