Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a genuine contender for football's most prestigious individual award following a career-defining season that saw him win the Champions League with PSG and lift the 2026 World Cup with Spain. The 30-year-old midfielder's displays in both competitions have thrust him into Ballon d'Or conversations, a prospect he addressed with genuine ambition during celebrations in his hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca.
Speaking at an emotional homecoming ceremony, Ruiz made clear his hunger for the award. "Who wouldn't want to win a Ballon d'Or? I'm happy with the season I've had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I'm in the running, it will be an honour," he told reporters. The midfielder's influence extended across both club and international football, anchoring Spain's midfield throughout their North American campaign and helping PSG secure their second consecutive European triumph.
Return to Betis Remains Distant Dream
While Ruiz's current success at the Parc des Princes continues to flourish, his heart remains tethered to his former club. "The truth is, yes. I've always said it. I never hide it. I'm eager to come back. It's getting closer every day. I'm a Betis fan, and one day I hope to return to Betis," he revealed during the ceremony. Despite these emotional ties, a near-term departure appears unlikely given his recent contract agreement with PSG.
The midfielder has reportedly agreed to extend his Paris contract through 2029, with an additional optional year attached. This development effectively closes the door on an immediate homecoming to Real Betis, where Ruiz spent formative years before his 2018 departure that took him through Napoli before joining PSG. The extension ensures Luis Enrique's squad retains his playmaking prowess for several seasons ahead, with Ruiz set to feature in next summer's UEFA Super Cup final against Aston Villa.
Ruiz's trajectory from Betis prospect to dual trophy winner demonstrates sustained excellence across European football. As he enters his prime years with PSG, his Ballon d'Or candidacy reflects not only individual brilliance but also the collective success achieved on both the club stage and the international arena.
