Ruiz’s stance challenges the award’s traditional hierarchy. For years, goals and assists have often dominated the conversation, while the work of midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers can be harder to capture in a headline.
The report says Ruiz points to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph as proof that a midfielder can win when control, leadership and importance in major matches are valued properly. That precedent gives Ruiz a credible platform, particularly after a season in which he is reported to have collected major honours with both club and country.
He also reportedly missed three months with a knee injury, a factor that could weigh against him when voters compare complete campaigns.
Ruiz appears to understand the strength of the competition. Lamine Yamal is regarded as one of the leading contenders, while Ruiz’s previous finish outside the top places underlines the challenge facing a player whose influence is often less spectacular than that of a forward.
His argument is not that attacking statistics should be ignored. Rather, he wants voters to look beyond them. A midfielder can dictate the rhythm of a final, protect a lead or make the pass that changes a match without producing the decisive goal.
That wider definition of value also carries a message for young players. Ruiz believes football should present midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers as role models alongside its celebrated scorers.
The Ballon d’Or debate will now test whether voters share that broader view. Ruiz’s case rests on influence and trophies, but the final verdict will depend on how heavily those qualities are weighed against individual attacking output.