David Silva has backed his compatriot Fabian Ruiz to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He believes the Spain and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder deserves the award this year.
Fabian Ruiz made 34 appearances for PSG across competitions last season, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He helped them win the Ligue 1 title and the UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors. He also featured in every game for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they won the title in the US.
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Former La Roja and Manchester City midfielder David Silva believes Ruiz should win the Ballon d’Or this year for his achievements. He said on El Partidazo (h/t Mundo Deportivo):
“For me, teamwork is the most important thing, because without it you cannot win. But well, if I had to give it to someone, it would be Fabian, because he has won the most titles in the last two years. He has been an important player for Paris Saint-Germain and then for the national team.”
“He does not get enough recognition, I do not know why, because he is a wonderful player. I admire him a lot, and he has done an amazing job quietly,” he added.
Silva also said that he would have mentioned Rodri as well, but he “already won” the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Fabian Ruiz opened up about his Ballon d’Or chances earlier this month
The PSG midfielder has been named in the 30-man shortlist for the coveted award this year. He was also nominated last year and finished 24th in the rankings. In an interview with L’Equipe (via Foot Mercato), Ruiz labeled being nominated a “great honour” for him. He said that he hopes to achieve “the best possible position this year.”
When asked about the titles he won last year with PSG and Spain, Ruiz said:
“In terms of titles, I don’t think anyone performed better than me, but on an individual level, there were wonderful players who delivered excellent seasons. We no longer have any doubt about their level.”
“It is good that Europe has players of such a high level, and that there are many candidates to win this award. And being one of them is a great honour and a huge source of pride for me,” he added.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place at the London Palladium in London, United Kingdom, on October 26.
