Fran Garcia backs Fabian Ruiz for 2026 Ballon d'Or over Lamine Yamal
On October 5, 2026, Spain midfielder Fran Garcia said Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, naming him over Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Garcia made the comment after Spain’s victory over Czechia in the UEFA Nations League, calling Ruiz “one of the best players in the world, yes, without a doubt.” When asked if Yamal deserved the award, Garcia replied, “For me, I would choose Fabián Ruiz. Even if he isn’t as eye-catching a player as Yamal.”
The endorsement adds to the debate ahead of the prestigious award, which often sparks discussion among football fans worldwide, including in Nigeria where the Ballon d’Or follows closely. Ruiz’s performances for PSG and Spain have drawn praise for his consistency and technical ability, while Yamal’s rise as a teenage winger has also attracted attention.
For Nigerian fans following the race, the question becomes: Do you agree with Garcia’s pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, or do you think another player—such as Yamal or a different contender—deserves the award?