Paris Saint-Germain and Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has admitted that winning the Ballon d’Or is a dream as he continues to receive recognition following a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, Softfootball reports
The 30-year-old has emerged as an outside contender for football’s most prestigious individual award after enjoying a trophy-filled season with both club and country.
Despite missing a significant period through injury, Ruiz played an important role as PSG secured Ligue 1, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.
His achievements extended to the international stage, where the midfielder featured in all eight of Spain’s matches during their successful 2026 World Cup campaign.
Ruiz was particularly influential during the World Cup final, recording an impressive 91.7 per cent passing accuracy and creating two chances before being substituted in the 62nd minute.
His performances throughout the campaign have now placed him among the wider group of players being considered in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Speaking to Telefoot, as quoted by AS, Ruiz admitted that the individual prize represents a major ambition for him.
I think it’s every footballer’s dream. To be recognised individually for all your work during this season or several years in a row.
Ruiz said.
The truth is, I’ve been lucky enough to win many team titles. Individual ones, few. And why not dream of being as close as possible to lifting this trophy? It would be something very special and an honour to be able to lift the Ballon d’Or.
Ruiz’s consistency was reflected in his club statistics last season, with the midfielder registering two goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions for PSG.
While his numbers may not match those of some of the competition’s more prolific attacking players, his influence from the centre of midfield has been an important part of PSG’s success.
The French champions also moved quickly to secure Ruiz’s future, handing him a new contract that runs until June 2028.
His growing recognition represents a significant moment for a player who has often operated in the background despite playing an important role in some of the biggest successes of his career.
However, Ruiz and PSG now face the challenge of responding to a difficult start to the new season.
The midfielder has featured in all three of PSG’s opening Ligue 1 matches, but the reigning champions have failed to win any of those games and currently sit 13th in the table with just two points.
Their attention now turns to Europe, where Luis Enrique’s side will begin their Champions League league-phase campaign against Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday.
PSG will be expected to quickly rediscover their form as they begin their defence of the European crown, with another demanding Ligue 1 fixture against Brest awaiting them on Sunday, September 13.
For Ruiz, the coming weeks provide another opportunity to strengthen his Ballon d’Or case. Having already collected major club honours and a World Cup winners’ medal, the Spanish midfielder now has his sights firmly set on the one individual prize that has so far eluded him.
