Fabian Ruiz eyes Ballon d’Or as PSG seek Champions League response
Fabian Ruiz will look to help Paris Saint-Germain arrest their slow Ligue 1 start when the European champions host Slovan Bratislava in Wednesday’s Champions League league-phase opener.
PSG need an immediate response
Ruiz has played in each of PSG’s first three league matches, but Luis Enrique’s side remain without a win and sit 13th on two points.
The champions have little time to reset before their first European assignment of the campaign. A league trip to Brest follows on Sunday, September 13.
- PSG have taken two points from three Ligue 1 fixtures.
- Ruiz has appeared in all three of those matches.
- Slovan Bratislava visit Paris on Wednesday.
- Brest await PSG away from home four days later.
Ruiz’s trophy-laden year
The 30-year-old midfielder is now in the Ballon d’Or conversation after collecting major honours for club and country across 2025-26.
Despite a lengthy injury absence, Ruiz helped PSG win Ligue 1, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. He also featured in all eight of Spain’s matches as La Roja won the 2026 World Cup.
His influence was clear in the final. Ruiz completed 91.7 per cent of his passes and made two chances before leaving the pitch in the 62nd minute.
| Competition | Ruiz’s contribution |
|---|---|
| PSG, all competitions | 34 appearances, two goals, five assists |
| Spain at the World Cup | Eight appearances |
| World Cup final | 91.7% passing accuracy, two chances created |
Ballon d’Or ambition is clear
Ruiz has made no secret of his desire to challenge for football’s biggest individual prize. He said recognition for a full season’s work, or sustained excellence over several years, is a dream for any player.
While he has already won a long list of collective trophies, Ruiz believes it would be a special honour to get close to the Ballon d’Or and potentially lift it.
Contract security and the next target
PSG have already protected Ruiz’s future with a contract running until June 2028. The midfielder has often supplied control rather than headlines in the centre of the pitch, but his latest campaign has put him firmly in focus.
Now the immediate task is simpler: help PSG find their first league win and begin their Champions League defence with a victory over Slovan Bratislava.
