LUIS ENRIQUE BACKS FABIAN RUIZ FOR BALLON D'OR AWARD

Luis Enrique has nominated Fabian Ruiz for the Ballon d'Or, the annual award presented to the world's best footballer. The Paris Saint-Germain manager told Spanish newspaper SPORT that Ruiz should receive the honour when the ceremony takes place in London on 26 October. Enrique cited Ruiz's achievements: winning the World Cup, the European Championship two years prior, the Champions League twice consecutively, and the Nations League.

Ruiz has been among PSG's most improved players since Enrique's appointment in July 2023. The current Ballon d'Or holder is Ousmane Dembele, Enrique's French winger at PSG. Enrique's endorsement of Ruiz comes as a notable choice, given that other players have been widely regarded as contenders, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri. Enrique has managed all three during his career: Messi at Barcelona, where he won nine trophies including a continental treble; Mbappe at PSG before the forward's move to Real Madrid; and Rodri during his spell as Spain's national team manager.

PSG won a joint-record five trophies during the 2025-26 season under Enrique's management. Other figures have put forward different candidates for the award: midfielder Vitinha of PSG has named Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe as players deserving of the Ballon d'Or. The award recognises achievements across club and international football over a calendar year.