In a football world dominated by flashy headlines and superstar brands, Fabian Ruiz has emerged as the silent force redefining what greatness looks like. Once seen as an underachiever, the Spanish midfielder’s 2024–25 season has flipped the script — and now, the whispers have grown into a full-throated debate: Is Fabian Ruiz a legitimate contender for the Ballon d’Or?

Fabian Ruiz’s campaign this year with Paris Saint-Germain and Spain was nothing short of extraordinary. Statistically strong with 8 goals and 11 assists, he wasn’t just supporting the play — he orchestrated it. As PSG’s tactical heart, he dictated rhythm, delivered clutch plays, and showed tactical awareness beyond measure.

More impressively, he led PSG to sweep all domestic titlesLigue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions — and crowned it with the club’s first UEFA Champions League title in history. The road isn’t over yet: PSG is eyeing a historic sextuple, with the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and UEFA Super Cup still in sight.

His influence was evident even in PSG’s rare loss against Nice, where Ruiz was the lone goalscorer — a poignant reminder of his ever-present importance.

Ruiz also became indispensable to La Roja, playing every match en route to Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph and making the tournament’s Best XI. His performance at the Club World Cup only elevated his status, netting a stunning brace in the semifinal against Real Madrid, earning the Man of the Match award and pushing PSG into the final.

Spain’s 38-match unbeaten run — halted only by a cruel penalty shootout in the Nations League final — further underscored Ruiz’s consistency and tactical maturity on the world stage.

At 29, Fabian Ruiz blends technical finesse with mental resilience. His journey from La Liga to Serie A and now Ligue 1 has honed his skills and elevated his vision. Luis Enrique’s past regret over not taking him to the 2022 World Cup speaks volumes of his evolution and the impact he now commands.

While the spotlight often falls on rising stars like Lamine Yamal, it is Ruiz who holds the present in his hands. If PSG completes the sextuple and Spain continues its dominance, there’s no valid reason Ruiz shouldn’t be in the Ballon d’Or Top 5 — or even win it outright.

Sometimes, it’s not the loudest voices, but the most consistent performers, who leave the deepest legacy. And Fabian Ruiz is writing his chapter in football history — quietly, but magnificently.