"Fabian has won the World Cup, the Euro two years ago, the Champions League twice in a row, and the Nations League. He deserves the Ballon d'Or", Luis Enrique stated during a PSG training session on 10/8.

Ruiz recently returned to Paris after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. His teammates welcomed the 30-year-old midfielder with a "guard of honor" at the PSG training ground. Players stood in two rows, clapping to greet the champion as he stepped onto the field.

Coach Enrique instructs PSG players during training in Paris on 20/5. Photo: AP

The 2026 World Cup victory in the US marked a memorable season for Ruiz. Just two months prior, he helped PSG successfully defend their Champions League title. This was the second consecutive time the French team won Europe's most prestigious tournament. Ruiz is thus the most successful player of 2026 in terms of collective titles, securing both the Champions League with PSG and the World Cup with Spain. Since 1974, only 13 players have achieved the Champions League and World Cup double in the same year.

Before Ruiz, recent players to accomplish this feat include Julian Alvarez with Man City and Argentina in 2022, Raphael Varane with Real and France in 2018, and Roberto Carlos with Real and Brazil in 2002.

Despite these accomplishments, a paradox exists in the Ballon d'Or race. Historically, no player who won both the Champions League and World Cup in the same year has gone on to win this individual award. Should Ruiz triumph, he would become the first to achieve this.

Ruiz's achievements are further bolstered by winning Euro 2024 and the Nations League with Spain. Within two years, the midfielder born in 1996 has claimed almost all major titles at national and club levels. Coach Enrique considers Ruiz's numerous victories a strong foundation for the Spanish midfielder's Ballon d'Or contention this year.

Fabian Ruiz (8, left) of Spain competes for the ball with Kylian Mbappe (10) of France during the 2026 World Cup semi-final in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, US on 14/7/2026. Photo: AP

During the 2026 World Cup, Ruiz was not always a regular starter. However, he gradually secured a spot in the Spain squad, overcoming competition from Pedri and starting in the tournament's two most critical matches.

Ruiz's role in the national team differs from his position at PSG. At the club, he typically plays in a three-man midfield alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves. For Spain, Ruiz partners Rodri in a two-man central midfield system, with Dani Olmo positioned ahead.

This tactical arrangement allows Ruiz more opportunities to advance. His ability to make runs into the penalty area from midfield is a key strength of the 30-year-old midfielder. He also scored a goal in the World Cup quarter-final against Belgium.

The most recent precedent for winning both individual and collective honors is Rodri, who received the award in 2024 after winning the Euro with Spain and the Premier League with Man City.

However, Ruiz's chances for this year's award are considered slim. The 2026 race features many stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

A significant disadvantage for Ruiz is his fitness. The midfielder experienced a recurring injury, causing him to miss several important PSG matches in the Champions League knockout rounds. Warren Zaire-Emery deputized for him during that period.

Vy Anh