Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz has addressed his inclusion in the conversation surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, emphasizing that his focus remains on professional performance rather than campaigning for individual recognition. Speaking ahead of Spain’s match against Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium in Seville, the Paris Saint-Germain player noted that while he has enjoyed a successful year, he views the award as a reflection of collective team success.
Fabián Ruiz on Ballon d’Or Recognition
The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which is scheduled to be awarded on October 28, has centered on high-profile names like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. However, Fabián Ruiz has emerged as a candidate following a year of significant achievements at both the club and international levels. Addressing the media in Seville, the midfielder clarified his stance on the award process.
“It is not about campaigning; it is about recognizing your work,” Fabián said. “I have had a great year, and I have been lucky enough to win the most important competitions. Just like any other worker, when you do your job well, you like to have it recognized. That is nice for me, and above all, it is rewarding to feel the affection and support of the people.”
Spain’s Collective Identity and 2010 Comparisons
Fabián also addressed the inevitable comparisons between the current Spanish national team and the side that won two European Championships and a World Cup consecutively. He expressed pride in the current squad’s trajectory while cautioning against direct parallels between different generations of players.
“I am happy with the personal and collective statistics. I hope we can keep winning for a long time,” he stated. “I do not like to compare one national team with another. The 2010 squad had unique players, but we are also doing something unique. We have good players and a very good team; we are a side that looks more at the collective than the individual.”
Chasing Historical Records in Seville
The match against Croatia offers Fabián an opportunity to edge closer to a notable individual record. The midfielder is currently seven games away from matching Carlos Marchena’s record for the longest unbeaten streak by a Spanish international. Fabián admitted he was unaware of the milestone until recently.
“I didn’t know I was close to Marchena’s record until a little while ago,” he explained. “It is always nice to have a record, and especially a record of not losing, because it means we are winning—the team is winning. I hope to surpass it, not for personal reasons, but because it would mean we have gone a long time without losing.”
Managing Competition Within the Squad
Regarding internal competition, specifically with Pedri for a starting role in Luis de la Fuente’s midfield, Fabián described the team environment as harmonious.
“The relationship with Pedri is magnificent, just as it is with all my teammates,” he said. “There are games where it is his turn to play and others where it is mine. When the coach considers that I have to play, I am grateful, and when it is not my turn, I support from the outside.”
Fabián, a known supporter of Real Betis, returns to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán—the home of his club’s rival—for this fixture. He noted that the venue holds positive memories for him, specifically citing his first victory in a Seville derby on January 6. Spain enters this match following a victory over England at Wembley, looking to maintain their momentum as they face the Croatian side.
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