According to Sport, the competition for the 2026 Ballon d'Or will be exceptionally fierce. For Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, winning titles like the FIFA Club World Cup and the Champions League makes him one of the favorites.

Just hours before the 2026 UEFA Super Cup kicks off, Fabian has another chance to add a trophy. Head coach Luis Enrique has already put him at the forefront of the Ballon d'Or contention. Luis Enrique said during pre-match training for the Salzburg vs. Aston Villa game: "Fabi has already won: the FIFA World Cup, the European Championship two years ago, back-to-back Champions League titles, the UEFA Nations League... the Ballon d'Or! The Ballon d'Or is secured!"

Marquinhos also agreed: "All that's left is the Ballon d'Or, that's it."

Additionally, Fabian also won the Ligue 1, FIFA Club World Cup, French Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with the team last season, playing an important role both in Luis Enrique's team and in the Spanish national team led by Luis de la Fuente.

Ruiz rejoined the team after his vacation following the FIFA Club World Cup, then participated in Paris Saint-Germain's traditional welcome tunnel ceremony, officially returning to the team to prepare for the new season.

Fabian, born in Los Palacios, came through the Real Betis youth academy. He performed outstandingly in Serie A during his time at Napoli, and transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022 for approximately €23 million. In Paris, he has become one of the core midfielders and has accumulated honors worthy of his resume, achievements that might help him enter the ranks of Ballon d'Or candidates.

Kvaratskhelia is Paris Saint-Germain's "hidden candidate"

France has also included another Paris player on the shortlist for this international award, namely Kvaratskhelia. Although he did not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, he was one of the most important players in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph and their second consecutive Champions League title.

"Kvara" was named the most valuable player of this Champions League season, scoring 10 goals and assisting 6 times in 16 matches; in the knockout stages, he was directly involved in 10 goals, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists.

Other popular Ballon d'Or candidates include top football stars such as Mbappé, Kane, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Haaland.

The race for the Ballon d'Or continues. Weeks ago, the Ballon d'Or official reminded that winning the FIFA World Cup "helps, but does not guarantee the Ballon d'Or," as the award values "the best player of the season, not just FIFA World Cup performance."

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