Returning to his hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca after Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory, Fabián Ruiz was celebrated as a hero alongside Gavi. The midfielder, who also won the Champions League this season, is the only player to have achieved this prestigious double. Asked about his chances of being among the favorites for the Ballon d’Or, the Spaniard did not hide his satisfaction. “Honestly, who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I won the Champions League and the World Cup, I couldn’t dream of a better season. If I am in the running, it will be an honor”he declared on the microphone of Cadena SER.
Beyond this individual distinction, the two world champions received a triumphant welcome in their city, where the mayor announced that a statue would be erected in their honor, as well as that of Jesús Navas, another world champion from Los Palacios.
