Fabian Ruiz claims Ballon d'Or after Champions League and World Cup double

Fabian Ruiz has officially positioned himself as a candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, bolstered by an unprecedented double achieved this season: the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and the World Cup with Spain.

“Why not dream of the Ballon d’Or? It’s a dream for any footballer to be individually recognised for all his work this season and in previous ones,” the Spanish midfielder said in an interview broadcast on Sunday. “I’ve been fortunate to win many collective titles, a few individual ones, but why not dream this year of being as close as possible to lifting this trophy. It would be an honour for me.”

The former Napoli player acknowledges that he is uncomfortable in the spotlight, but believes that the density of his 2024–25 trophy haul gives him the right to claim a place in the race. “I don’t like being at the centre of attention, but I think this year I can allow myself to be, given the season and the work done and the titles won.”

His case does have one shadow, however: a long spell on the sidelines this season, which has reduced his playing time in Ligue 1. Fabian Ruiz has nevertheless been decisive in key moments, both in the Champions League and with the Roja.

The verdict will be delivered on 26 October in London. The competition promises to be fierce within PSG itself: Ousmane Dembélé, the defending champion and newly crowned European champion, is among the strong favourites, as are Kylian Mbappé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Lamine Yamal, runner-up last year, is also expected to be in the running, as is Lionel Messi. Georgian Kvaratskhelia, however, suffers from a significant handicap: Georgia did not participate in the World Cup this summer, which could weigh heavily in the deliberation.