Fabian Ruiz: I've won many titles, so why not dream of the Ballon d'Or?

AS published an interview today with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, in which he recalled Spain winning their second World Cup and explained why he shouldn't stop dreaming of the Ballon d'Or.

About July 19

Yes, it was a very special day (smiles). I celebrated my wedding anniversary and won the World Cup on the same day. So July 19 will forever be etched in my memory and that of my family, because it was truly special.

When we came for the open day, the scenes were insane. How does it feel to be part of something that stirs the passion of an entire country?

It's wonderful to see the whole country happy with everything we've done; it's truly beautiful. Everywhere we go, people show us their affection, and for us, that's what matters most. To see so many people here watching practice, and then when we walk down the street, they still thank us for everything we've done... It's special and beautiful.

Those two stars look good

Yes, they look even better on the badge; one was already great, now two, it's incredible. When you see that you were part of earning that star, that feeling is truly wonderful.

This star is the culmination of years of hard work, tireless effort, and a brilliant season. Thanks to all my teammates and coaches for their dedication over the years, we finally achieved our dream goal. Most importantly, Spain deserves this honor. We are incredibly fortunate to represent this shining star.

A few days before the World Cup began, we interviewed your sister Yamila, who told us: "Fabian is calmer than us, calmer than the rest of the family." Is that true?

To be honest, I approach every game very calmly and naturally. It's something we've practiced since we were little, and it comes naturally to us. Ultimately, it's what we were born to do: play football. As I told my family, if they asked me to do something else, I might get nervous. But on match day, you're completely immersed. When I was sitting on the bench, that's when I really started to get nervous—especially since we knew this could be a historic moment. That nervousness only appears on the sidelines; when you actually step onto the pitch, you remain calm and focus on your role.

What was your most memorable impression of that day?

Seeing my family, seeing the whole country, seeing our dreams come true... being able to represent the country and lead it to the top. Winning the World Cup is the greatest achievement a player can have. Seeing everyone, the whole country, my family, shedding tears of joy after making history... that's the most valuable thing I took from it. Being able to see all the people who stood by us so happy—it's the most beautiful thing.

Are there any other goals to achieve?

Last season, what more could I ask for? As a team, I truly couldn't ask for more. I won all the titles. These past few years have been amazing, especially the recent ones. We won the Champions League twice in a row, which is the greatest honor at the club level. And I was fortunate enough to win the European Championship and the World Cup consecutively. As a team, these are the greatest achievements.

Personally, one award stands out: the Ballon d'Or. Everyone has their reasons, and you have more reason than anyone to seriously consider it, right?

Why not? To be honest, in terms of team achievements, I'm one of the players who has won the most titles. I think I've won seven titles in recent years. I'm very satisfied with this season and what I've achieved. I feel important at Paris Saint-Germain and in the national team. This is important for a player, especially for me. To be honest, the Ballon d'Or is a very prestigious award, one that every player dreams of. I'm happy that people are talking about me and recognizing my efforts. I will strive for the best results, and why not dream about it?

Winning the Ballon d'Or sounds great, doesn't it?

To be honest, whenever someone tells me these things, a smile always appears on my face.

This season's outcome was good for you

Yes, absolutely. I won't lie to you—all players want their efforts to be recognized, just like in any other industry. If you do your job well and people outside the team also recognize that you perform well and have had a great season, then of course, that's a good thing.

The Ballon d'Or has traditionally focused more on attacking players, but do you think Rodri's emergence has changed that perception? Do you think the selection criteria have been broadened?

Everyone knows that forwards generally have better statistics than midfielders, defenders, or goalkeepers. It's difficult for defenders to reach the same level of statistics as forwards, but I think in recent years, other positions have received more attention, which is very important. A team consists of 11 players and substitutes, and I believe defenders and goalkeepers are just as important as forwards. In recent years, we've seen Modrić and Rodri both win the Ballon d'Or. This is very significant for world football, especially for young players. They should focus on other positions, not just goals, although goals are important. Winning a game certainly requires goals, but it's the result of the whole team's collective effort.

You also have a talismanic quality

Sometimes I don't want to say it too loudly, so as not to break the record, but yes—50 undefeated games representing the national team... I hope this record continues. This is good for me personally, but even more so for the national team.

Success requires high standards, right? And that will lead to higher demands

Yes, the head coach has already told us that what's in the past is history, and that's good, but now it's time to focus on the present. The hardest thing in football is to win again. Winning once is great, but winning again is the real challenge. That's the challenge we face now: the desire to win again and maintain our winning momentum. It's very difficult, but this team has the strength, and we are enthusiastically pursuing this objective. We also think it's very important. We hope to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals.

One more question about the Ballon d'Or: who do you think are the main contenders?

Indeed, many players have performed excellently this season. There's a reason 30 candidates were selected, and among them are some very good players who have had outstanding seasons. But if my teammate ultimately wins, that would be even better. I don't see them as rivals, but as teammates who also deserve to be selected and deserve a chance to win the award.

Did Dembélé teach you that last year?

Yes, that's right (smiles). Ousmane is very approachable and kind. He always says that teamwork leads to individual honors, and he couldn't have achieved what he has without the help of his teammates. He often thanks all of us for working together to help him improve. The head coach, Enrique, also helped him a lot, and he fully deserves it.

Now that you're back from vacation, are there many jokes about Vitinha, Neves, and Ousmane? Ultimately, you won the World Cup and eliminated them on the way

Yes (slight smile). Our team is great, and everyone always jokes with each other. When we first arrived, we joked that we had eliminated them... because it wouldn't have been appropriate to say that right after the match. But they sent me congratulatory messages; they were happy for me, happy that I won. And then in the locker room, everyone made some more jokes.

Which coaches have influenced you the most in recent years?

Enrique, I think we complement each other. We already knew each other from the national team, so I knew exactly what he wanted and liked. But he pushed me to strengthen defensively, improve my aggression, show my defensive capabilities, and win more balls. With these improvements and my existing foundation, we made very good progress from the start. Everyone knows what a great coach he is, and how approachable he is. For us players, this is very important.

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