The 2026 Ballon d'Or will be handed out in just over two weeks, and discussions surrounding the award continue to take center stage.
Supreme Sha Tin midfielder David Silva has revealed his pick for the prestigious award, and his choice is markedly different from the expected names.
The 40-year-old World Cup winner has named compatriot Fabián Ruiz as his choice, pointing to the midfielder's success with Paris Saint-Germain and Spain.
He overlooked superstar forwards such as Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe, preferring Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ruiz.
Why David Silva Believes Fabian Ruiz Deserves the 2026 Ballon d'Or
David Silva spoke to El Partizado de COPE, explaining why Fabian Ruiz is his choice to receive the award this year.
He argued that team success is a major consideration for him, pointing out that Ruiz has won numerous trophies over the past two years.
"For me, the collective takes precedence because otherwise, you couldn't win. But okay, if I had to give it to someone, it would be to Fabian, because in the last two years he is the one who has won the most titles.
"He has been important at PSG and then in the national team. Not much importance is given to him, I don't know why, because he is a great player. I like him a lot and quietly he has done an incredible job," he said.
This year, the likes of Yamal, Mbappe, and Kane have all been spoken about as likely winners, and all of them have made their arguments for why they deserve to receive the award.
Ruiz finished 24th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings and has also discussed his prospects for the 2026 award.
Ruiz argued that few players could match his recent trophy haul, while acknowledging that other contenders had produced outstanding individual seasons.
Speaking to L'Equipe relayed by Foot Mercato, he said: "In terms of titles, I don't think anyone performed better than me, but on an individual level, there were wonderful players who delivered excellent seasons. We no longer have any doubt about their level."
Silva wants him to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Rodri, who won the award after a stellar 2024.
How Fabian Ruiz's Team Success Strengthens His Ballon d'Or Case
Fabian Ruiz is no goalscorer or elite creator, and his contribution cannot be judged solely on these criteria.
The Spaniard is an expert at knitting things together, giving his team whatever they need on the pitch whenever he plays for club or country.
Ruiz played an important role as Paris Saint-Germain won a second successive UEFA Champions League title and Spain lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Silva's endorsement highlights the debate over how individual awards should balance attacking output with a player's broader influence on team success, a discussion that also surrounded Rodri's 2024 Ballon d'Or win.
While media focus often gravitates toward headline attackers like Lamine Yamal or Harry Kane, Ruiz quietly established himself as a midfield cornerstone for both club and country.
After beginning the tournament as a substitute, Ruiz featured in Spain's starting line-up during the later stages of their World Cup-winning campaign.
Silva's argument in favour of Ruiz is that football remains a collective sport, and the midfielders who consistently elevate their teammates while securing top honors deserve equal consideration alongside generational goalscorers.
