Fabián Ruiz, from Luis Enrique’s Error to PSG’s On-Field General: “I Thought No, But I Was Wrong”

Fabián Ruiz (born in Los Palacios y Villafranca, 1996) has become a central piece for PSG, especially after his standout performances that helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship. His influence on the national team was remarkable: he scored two goals—one in the opening match against Croatia (3-0) and another in the Round of 16 against Georgia (4-1)—and provided two assists, earning a spot in the tournament’s Best XI. This success, however, contrasts sharply with what happened two years earlier, when Luis Enrique, now his current coach at PSG, omitted him from the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“He was an international under my guidance. He played at Euro 2021, but I didn’t take him to the World Cup, and I think I made a mistake. At the time, I believed otherwise, but I can say it now: I was wrong, and he should have been there,” said Luis Enrique.

The talk around the club suggested Fabián might leave PSG following that snub, especially with Luis Enrique arriving at the Parisian side. Yet the opposite happened. Ruiz, who was signed from Napoli in 2022 for 22.5 million euros, worked his way into a highly competitive midfield. He competes for minutes with Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and João Neves, but has still managed to become what many are calling the new “on-field general” of Paris Saint-Germain.

Wearing the Armband

In the absence of the four usual captains, Fabián Ruiz wore the captain’s armband in PSG’s hard-fought French Cup victory over lower-tier Espaly-Saint-Marcel (2-4). “It was a decision made by the players (through a vote). It’s not our place to choose,” explained Luis Enrique. He quickly emphasized, however, Ruiz’s importance in the dressing room: “I’m very happy with what Fabián contributes on and off the pitch.”

Statistics back up Luis Enrique’s faith. Ruiz has notched three goals and five assists across 2,105 minutes, helping PSG extend an 18-match unbeaten run, including eight consecutive wins. In the Champions League, the Spanish midfielder has played more matches (10) than anyone else in the PSG squad and ranks second in assists (3). Among Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielders, he leads in key passes (14), ranks second in successful tackles (8) and interceptions (7), and is third in total recoveries (33). All this comes with an impressive 87.1% passing accuracy.

“He had some moments here when his contribution wasn’t fully appreciated, but I have always been very pleased with how he’s performing,” Luis Enrique noted. “He is one of the best at playing in tandem with his teammates, and that is key to our style.”

A Multi-Faceted Midfielder

Luis Enrique’s faith in Fabián is clear, and the numbers underscore his growing importance. Fabián Ruiz is the fifth player in Ligue 1—and the top at PSG—in progressive passes of over 10 meters, with 142 to his name. PSG’s manager praises Ruiz’s ability to break defensive lines and contribute to both offensive and defensive phases:

“He’s capable of receiving and passing with great clarity, distributing decisive passes with ease, moving between the lines, and playing off the ball. He has the capacity to shoot from distance, the defensive work rate, and great positioning. For our game plan, that kind of player is invaluable.”

Ruiz himself has acknowledged how good the environment is for him in Paris: “I have a very good relationship with the coach. There are similarities between the way Spain plays and how Paris Saint-Germain plays, and I see that as very positive. We dominate possession, and that’s always exciting for any player.”

Despite a late start to this season—largely due to his participation in the European Championship—Ruiz soon found his rhythm. “Little by little, I improved physically, and now I feel really good,” he said, emphasizing that he aims to keep pushing forward. “I work every day to give my best. Competition is healthy. We know we have to give everything in every match because otherwise, another teammate will step in.”

Show Your Support: PSG Jersey Available Now

In addition to Fabián Ruiz’s remarkable performances and leadership qualities, fans looking to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain’s successes this season can show their support by wearing the latest team colors. The PSG jersey from this season is available on our website—click here—to explore different sizes and editions. This is a perfect way to connect with the team’s dynamic style and back the squad as they continue their quest for trophies in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Fabián Ruiz’s story—rising from a player left out of the 2022 World Cup squad to a key figure for both club and country—captures the essence of hard work, perseverance, and the power of a manager’s belief. Under Luis Enrique, he has transformed into an all-around midfielder who orchestrates play, stabilizes the midfield, and even assumes the captain’s armband when needed. Whether he’s setting up goals, scoring them, or helping maintain possession, Ruiz has cemented his role as one of the pillars in Paris Saint-Germain’s ongoing success.

See Fabian Ruiz’s stats of this season here.