By Adegboyega Adeleye
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has joined the growing list of players making bold claims in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that his trophy haul gives him a strong case for the prestigious individual award.
Ruiz made the claim in an interview with Radioestadio Noche, as reported by Goal while reflecting on his success with PSG and Spain over the past year.
Asked about his Ballon d’Or ambitions, the Spain international pointed to his collection of major honours.
“I don’t think I need to say it myself. In the end, everyone knows the titles I was able to win this past season. Obviously, I am the player who has won the most titles, but I’ll leave the campaigning to everyone else,” Ruiz said.
The 30-year-old helped PSG win Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season, while also playing a key role as Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup with the French champions, giving him one of the most decorated seasons among the Ballon d’Or nominees.
Ruiz has previously made a similar case during interviews with AS and L’Équipe, saying he had won seven titles in recent years and questioning why he should not dream of the Ballon d’Or.
“The Ballon d’Or is a very beautiful title that every player dreams of winning. I am happy that people are talking about me, that my work is being recognised. And then, I will try to finish as high as possible in the standings, and why not dream about it?” he told AS.
His comments come amid an increasingly outspoken Ballon d’Or debate, with several leading contenders publicly making their cases.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has argued that his individual numbers should outweigh his lack of major team trophies, saying he still deserves the award after scoring 42 goals for club and country last season, including 15 in the Champions League, 25 in La Liga and 10 at the World Cup.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has also backed himself for the prize, saying he and Mbappé are the two best players in the world and that he deserves the award based on what he won during the year.
Harry Kane, meanwhile, has taken a different approach despite scoring 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England last season.
The England captain said he preferred to let his performances speak for themselves, while acknowledging Yamal, Mbappé, Michael Olise, Rodri and other nominees as contenders.
Ruiz has also challenged the traditional emphasis on attacking statistics, arguing that defenders, goalkeepers and midfielders should receive equal consideration for the Ballon d’Or.
“I believe that a defender or a goalkeeper is just as important as an attacker. In recent years, we have seen Modric and Rodri prevail,” he said.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, with Ruiz among the 30 nominees for the men’s award.
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