Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has backed midfielder Fabián Ruiz to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against Aston Villa. The Asturian coach expressed his preference during PSG's final training session before Wednesday's match in Salzburg.
The fixture features two Spanish managers expanding their continental success, with Champions League winners PSG facing Europa League champions Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery. Both teams enter the first major continental final of the football year after completing pre-season preparations with players returning from the World Cup.
With the Champions League and World Cup concluded, the debate surrounding the Ballon d'Or remains open. Luis Enrique believes Ruiz deserves the award over other team candidates, including current Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé. The French attacker aims to retain the trophy after winning the Champions League, though his World Cup campaign hurt his chances despite scoring goals during the tournament.
Spain's World Cup victory brought attention to national team stars Rodri and Lamine Yamal as top contenders. However, Ruiz has a more ostentatious record as the only player this season to win both the Champions League and the World Cup, making him Luis Enrique's standout choice despite betting odds placing him outside the top favorites.
During PSG's final training session, Luis Enrique said that Ruiz won the World Cup, the Nations League, back-to-back Champions League titles, and the European Championship two years ago, declaring that the midfielder should definitely win the Ballon d'Or.
Fabián Ruiz season and achievements
Ruiz endured an injury-disrupted campaign, making 34 club appearances compared to 61 in the previous season. However, the Andalusian midfielder returned in the final stretch to start in the Champions League semifinal second leg and the final itself.
Ruiz carried his form into the World Cup, taking a starting spot from Barcelona midfielder Pedri, one of the most valued midfielders in Europe. Despite his achievements, winning both major trophies does not guarantee the award, as Dani Carvajal missed out to Rodri in 2024 after winning the Champions League and Euro 2024.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d'Or contenders
PSG forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia presents another candidate after missing the World Cup with Georgia. UEFA named Kvaratskhelia the Champions League Player of the Season following a campaign in which he scored 10 goals and provided six assists across 16 matches.
The Georgian player contributed directly to 10 goals during the knockout rounds, scoring six and assisting four, as PSG secured their second European Cup. He previously delivered a standout individual performance against Aston Villa in the first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals.
Organizers of the Ballon d'Or clarified weeks ago that winning the World Cup helps but does not guarantee the award. They emphasized that the accolade recognizes the best player of the season rather than the World Cup alone.
The upcoming European Super Cup and the Trophée des Champions provide the initial major stages for candidates to strengthen their claims as the debate continues.
