Silva, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, believes Ruiz deserves the honour based on his contribution to a highly successful period for the Spanish midfielder.
According to Silva, Ruiz’s collection of major trophies over the past two years makes him a strong candidate for the award, while he also praised the PSG midfielder’s quality and influence on the pitch.
The former Spain international made his position known during an appearance on El Partidazo, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, where he stressed the importance of collective success when assessing individual players.
“For me, teamwork is the most important thing, because without it you cannot win,” Silva said on El Partidazo (via Mundo Deportivo).
“If I had to give the Ballon d’Or to someone, it would be Fabian, because he has won the most titles in the last two years.
“He does not get enough recognition, I do not know why, because he is a wonderful player. I admire him a lot.”
Ruiz has emerged as an important figure for PSG during the club’s recent period of success, with his performances helping the French side compete for major honours across domestic and European competitions.
Silva’s endorsement also highlights the midfielder’s influence beyond the individual statistics often associated with the Ballon d’Or debate. Rather than focusing solely on goals and assists, the former Manchester City star placed considerable emphasis on winning trophies and contributing to a successful team.
His choice also puts Ruiz ahead of some of the more frequently discussed names in the Ballon d’Or conversation, including Yamal, who has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football.
At just 19, Yamal has already become a key figure for Barcelona and Spain, earning widespread recognition for his creativity, technical ability and performances at the highest level.
However, Silva’s assessment suggests that collective achievements should carry significant weight in determining the eventual winner.
The Ballon d’Or race is expected to generate considerable debate as the 2026 season progresses, with performances in domestic competitions and major international fixtures likely to influence the final voting.
For Silva, though, Ruiz already has the credentials to stand above the competition.
“He does not get enough recognition,” the former Spain midfielder said, insisting that the PSG star is “a wonderful player” whom he greatly admires.