<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fabian-ruiz/">Fabian Ruiz</a> has emerged as one of the most compelling figures in world soccer, distinguished not merely by raw goal involvement numbers, but by his immense impact across two dominant sides: Paris Saint-Germain and the Spain national team. Backed by public endorsements from head coach Luis Enrique and teammate Vitinha, Ruiz recently addressed his chances of capturing the prestigious <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ballon-dor/">Ballon d’Or</a>.



While strikers Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane delivered prolific goalscoring totals over the campaign, the 2025-26 season carried extra prestige with the combination of the UEFA Champions League and the 2026 World Cup. Within that context and evaluating the sheer weight of silverware, Ruiz stands out as the singular figure who anchored both the European champions and the World Cup winners.



When asked about potential Ballon d’Or candidates during a UEFA Super Cup press conference, Vitinha stated his case clearly: “There are many good players who can win the Ballon d’Or this year. For me, I think it would be normal to have a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">PSG</a> player like (Kvicha) Kvaratskhelia after his great season in the Champions League, Ousmane Dembele, who has had an excellent campaign, or Fabian, who has won everything.”



While acknowledging other prominent international candidates, the Portuguese midfielder maintained his primary focus on his club teammates. “For me, it should go to one of those three players. But there are many players like Kane or Mbappe who also deserve it. However, I would vote for a Paris Saint-Germain player for the Ballon d’Or,” Vitinha affirmed.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">👀🤩 Luis Enrique se posiciona con Fabián Ruiz en su regreso a los entrenamientos con el PSG: "Le falta el Balón de Oro". 📹 <a href="https://x.com/PSG_inside?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSG_inside</a>. <a href="https://t.co/qM6uVIZnAJ">pic.twitter.com/qM6uVIZnAJ</a>— ElDesmarque (@eldesmarque) <a href="https://x.com/eldesmarque/status/2087076449077358912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



Those sentiments were echoed by manager <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luis-enrique/">Luis Enrique</a> during a training session featured on PSG’s official media channels, where he was captured listing Ruiz’s accomplishments: “Fabian Ruiz has won the World Cup, the Euros two years ago, back-to-back Champions Leagues, the Nations League…” When a team member remarked, “All that is missing is the Ballon d’Or,” the manager responded with an emphatic nod.


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Following a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa, Fabian Ruiz and PSG secured back-to-back UEFA Super Cup titles, becoming only the third team in history to achieve the feat alongside AC Milan (1989–90) and Real Madrid (2016–17). Having reported back to squad training on Monday after his World Cup campaign, Ruiz entered as a second-half substitute against the Villans and remains poised to serve as an indispensable fixture for Luis Enrique in the upcoming season.



<h2>Fabian Ruiz evaluates his Ballon d’Or credentials</h2>



After dominating domestic competition in France, PSG went on to capture their second consecutive Champions League title. Ruiz then cemented a starting spot for Spain over FC Barcelona star Pedri, guiding La Roja to their second World Cup title. The 2026-27 campaign opened in familiar fashion, with the Spaniard lifting yet another European trophy.



Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, Ruiz reflected on his trophy-laden run: “The truth is that this past year, this last season, has been incredible, and what better way to start another one than by winning another title. Honestly, I’m very fortunate to be able to win so many trophies, and we have to keep working to keep winning more.”



Addressing the growing public discourse surrounding his candidacy, the midfielder welcomed the recognition. “The truth is people tell me that a lot. For me, it’s a source of pride that they talk about me being on the list,” Ruiz stated. “In terms of titles, I don’t think I’m lacking, and honestly, it’s an honor to be there. Hopefully I can win it—why not?” he concluded.



<h2>Fabian Ruiz: The tactical engine for club and country</h2>



Far beyond a conventional midfielder, Ruiz serves as a tactical engine for Luis Enrique’s tactical system, offering fluidity, space coverage, and versatility as a central builder, wide operator, or deep pivot. Furthermore, he has acted as a lucky charm for PSG, winning all four cup finals he has featured in with the club: the 2023-24 Coupe de France, the 2024-25 and 2025-26 UEFA Champions Leagues, and the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/08/12142747/fabian-ruiz-spain-world-cup-1920x1080.webp" alt="Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup." class="wp-image-671132"><figcaption>Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



His impact for the Spanish national team is equally remarkable, highlighted by a historic 50-match unbeaten run with La Roja. Since making his senior international debut in 2019, Spain have avoided defeat in every match featuring Ruiz (35 wins, 15 draws), making him an indispensable piece during title victories at the 2024 UEFA Nations League, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup.

Fabian Ruiz speaks out on Ballon d’Or chances after PSG’s Luis Enrique and Vitinha endorsements

Fabian Ruiz speaks out on Ballon d'Or chances after PSG's Luis Enrique and Vitinha endorsements - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> pursue their second consecutive UEFA Super Cup title in the 2026 edition when they face Aston Villa on Wednesday, August 12, at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. However, the French champions navigate several key absences, with midfielder <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fabian-ruiz/">Fabian Ruiz</a> left out of the starting lineup for the clash against the Villans.



Ruiz begins the match on the substitute bench against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/aston-villa/">Aston Villa</a> due to a tactical decision by head coach Luis Enrique. The Spanish international recently reported back to training following an extended post-World Cup vacation, leaving him with limited conditioning ahead of the seasonal opener.



The midfielder served as an indispensable contributor for Luis Enrique across the last two campaigns, helping PSG capture back-to-back Champions League titles. Despite suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for 16 matches between January and April during the 2025-26 season, Ruiz recovered in time for the stretch run, logging 34 appearances, two goals, and five assists across all competitions.



Ruiz started four matches during the 2026 World Cup under Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, earning a starting role over Pedri in the final. While Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez also featured in that final for Argentina on July 19, Ruiz returned to team activities on a delayed schedule, prompting Luis Enrique to ease him back into competition from the bench.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/08/12142747/fabian-ruiz-spain-world-cup-1920x1080.webp" alt="Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup." class="wp-image-671132"><figcaption>Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



With Fabian Ruiz far from his ideal form, Luis Enrique has opted to deploy an alternative midfield in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/uefa-super-cup/">UEFA Super Cup</a> final. Vitinha and Joao Neves will be starting, but Warren Zaire-Emery, who was also present for France in the 2026 World Cup roster, will be the third midfield who’ll be covering the Spaniard.

Why is Fabian Ruiz not starting for PSG in the UEFA Super Cup 2026 against Aston Villa?

Why is Fabian Ruiz not starting for PSG in the UEFA Super Cup 2026 against Aston Villa? - World Soccer Talk

Spain were crowned the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a> winner, ending a 16-year title drought. Even though Pedri emerged as the starter, head coach Luis de la Fuente decided to return to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fabian-ruiz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fabián Ruiz</a>, who ended up being essential in the final against Argentina. Despite the 30-year-old midfielder seemingly being at the best moment of his career with La Roja and PSG, he revealed his desire to return to Real Betis.



Amid his tribute as a 2026 World Cup winner, Fabián Ruiz was asked whether he would consider returning to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/betis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Betis</a>. He responded bluntly: “The truth is yes. I’ve always said it. I never hide it. I want to come back. It gets closer every time. I’m a Betis fan, and one day I hope to return to Betis,” he said, according to Marca. Nonetheless, his comeback may not be an easy path due to his renewal status.



Fabián Ruiz remains a central figure at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSG</a>, serving as an undisputed starter under head coach Luis Enrique. For that reason, he has agreed to a contract extension through 2029, with an option for an additional year, according to Fabrizio Romano. While the 30-year-old midfielder has hinted at a return to Real Betis, the French side may not let him leave easily complicating matters in the near future.



As one of the most experienced players for PSG and Spain, Fabián Ruiz has established among the best players in the world. During the 2025-26 season, he won absolutely everything, making him a potential Ballon d’Or candidate, something he made clear would be a great honor for him. In addition, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/fabian-ruiz-reaches-50-spain-appearances-with-unbeaten-record-intact-after-2026-world-cup-final-triumph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he reached 50 unbeaten matches with La Roja</a>, marking a historic milestone that demonstrates his importance to the team.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/19190919/Fabian-Ruiz-1920x1080.webp" alt="Fabian Ruiz of Spain runs to celebrate." class="wp-image-667275"><figcaption>Fabian Ruiz of Spain runs to celebrate.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Fabian Ruiz is one of the most well-rounded players at PSG and Spain</h2>



Throughout the last few years, Fabián Ruiz has been one of the most underrated players in Europe. At PSG, Vitinha and João Neves steal all the spotlight, while Pedri does the same with Spain. However, he has managed to carve out a unique place in both squads, becoming a cornerstone of every title they have won. His importance comes down to one key aspect: He is one of the most complete players in his position.


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Despite having world-class competition, Fabián has earned the trust of all his coaches by excelling in both defense and attack. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and physical presence, he stands out as one of the most solid central midfielders defensively, playing a key role in balancing the lineup. In addition, he offers an incredible creative side, controlling the tempo and distributing the play.



Amid the very young squads at PSG and Spain, Fabián Ruiz has emerged as one of the leaders of both teams. Although he is only 30 years old, he is one of the most experienced players, making him a clear leader in the dressing room and an example on the pitch. Despite this, his career does not usually receive much spotlight, making him one of the most underrated players in the world.

PSG star Fabian Ruiz opens up on his dreamed return to Real Betis amid 2026 World Cup celebrations

PSG star Fabian Ruiz opens up on his dreamed return to Real Betis amid 2026 World Cup celebrations - World Soccer Talk

Despite being one of the best teams in the tournament, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a> entered the final as the underdogs, with Argentina arriving as the reigning champions. Nevertheless, they managed to dominate Lionel Scaloni’s team, limiting them while controlling the tempo of the game. In heroic fashion, Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, leading Spain to become the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a> winners. Despite this, Fabián Ruiz reached 50 appearances for Spain without suffering a defeat.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fabian-ruiz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fabián Ruiz</a> has reached 50 appearances for Spain, remaining unbeaten in every match. He has recorded 35 wins and 15 draws, making it a unique statistic. In addition, he regained his place in the starting lineup ahead of Pedri, who had emerged as the starter in the opening matches. Even though he is not a player who attracts much of the spotlight, he was vital to Spain’s tactical balance.



Head coach Luis de la Fuente has managed to bring out the best version of Fabián. Having known him since the Spain U-21 setup, he decided to make him a central figure in the team. Alongside him, Rodri Hernández also returned to his best form, silencing any doubts about his fitness. Together, they were responsible for dominating Argentina, limiting their creative play and forcing Lionel Messi to drop deeper to create chances.



<h2>Fabián Ruiz completes a historic 2025-26 season</h2>



After arriving at Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli in 2022, Fabián Ruiz initially looked like a rotation player in the squad, being reliable but failing to make a major impression. However, head coach Luis Enrique transformed his career, elevating him into a world-class all-around midfielder. Following Spain’s victory at the 2026 World Cup, the 30-year-old has cemented a historic 2025–26 season and arguably the best campaign of his professional career.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/19190656/Fabian-Ruiz-2-1920x1080.webp" alt="Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina competes for the ball against Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain." class="wp-image-667268"><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina competes for the ball against Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain.</figcaption></figure>



With Paris Saint-Germain, he won Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive time, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Adding the 2026 World Cup, Fabián has won every competition he has played in, serving as a key figure in every title. With that in mind, he could emerge as a leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, as he is the only Spain player to have won every competition he has competed in.


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Amid rumors of a possible departure from PSG, Fabián Ruiz appears set to remain with the club for the long term. He is under contract until June 2027, but he has reportedly reached an agreement to sign a new three-year deal, with an option for an additional year, reports Fabrizio Romano. As a result, the 30-year-old midfielder seems committed to staying, with the goal of once again playing a key role for Spain at UEFA Euro 2028, where he would be 32 years old.

Fabian Ruiz reaches 50 Spain appearances with unbeaten record intact after 2026 World Cup final triumph

Fabian Ruiz reaches 50 Spain appearances with unbeaten record intact after 2026 World Cup final triumph - World Soccer Talk

Exactly one month remains until the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/finalissima">Finalissima</a>. Argentina and Spain will face each other on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, aiming to claim a new trophy and gain a crucial boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, a Paris Saint-Germain player could be sidelined due to physical problems.



“Following his latest medical check-up, Fabian Ruiz will follow a tailor-made work schedule over the next few weeks in order to relieve his knee pain,” PSG reported Friday in a <a href="https://www.psg.fr/en/content/medical-update-ahead-of-le-havre-ac-v-paris-saint-germain-ligue-1-20252026">statement on their official website</a>.



The Spanish midfielder has been out of action for more than a month due to a knee injury that has taken longer than expected to heal. His last official match was on January 20, in the 2-1 loss to Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League league phase.



Since then, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fabian-ruiz/">Ruiz</a> has missed eight matches across the European competition and Ligue 1, and that number is expected to grow in the near future. According to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">PSG</a>’s statement, at least a couple more weeks will be needed before the 29-year-old Spanish player can return.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Medical update 📌<a href="https://twitter.com/Aspetar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aspetar</a> 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/zqpyiPss41">https://t.co/zqpyiPss41</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVJiEFIMqN">pic.twitter.com/iVJiEFIMqN</a>— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/2027374926869746057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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This would rule him out of Ligue 1 matches against Le Havre and AS Monaco, as well as the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Chelsea, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.


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<h2>The Finalissima in doubt for Ruiz</h2>



Even in the most optimistic scenario, Fabian Ruiz will need a couple of weeks to fully overcome the knee pain and return to regular training. After that, he will likely need additional time to regain match fitness.



These timelines put the midfielder in serious doubt for the Finalissima. With exactly four weeks remaining until March 27, it will be a tight window for Ruiz to recover, play a few matches with PSG, and convince Luis De La Fuente that he is ready for a demanding clash against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a>.



<h2>Spain facing multiple challenges ahead of the Finalissima</h2>



Ruiz’s potential absence is not <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a>’s only concern ahead of the Finalissima. In recent weeks, several national team players have suffered injuries that not only sidelined them at the club level but also put their availability against Argentina in question.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chelsea-boss-rosenior-issues-worrying-injury-update-on-marc-cucurella-ahead-of-spains-finalissima/">Marc Cucurella is one of the latest, after suffering a hamstring injury with Chelsea</a>. Earlier, Nico Williams raised concerns due to a pubalgia, a condition with unpredictable recovery timelines. Additionally, two players have already been ruled out due to more serious injuries: Mikel Merino and Samu.

Finalissima vs. Argentina in doubt for Spain’s key midfielder after latest injury update from PSG

Finalissima vs. Argentina in doubt for Spain's key midfielder after latest injury update from PSG - World Soccer Talk

This Saturday, Spain defeated Georgia 4–0 on Matchday 5 of Group E in the European qualifiers and moved within one step of securing their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026. There, Fabian Ruiz surpassed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/zinedine-zidane">Zinedine Zidane</a> and reached an impressive milestone that not even Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo managed to achieve.



With the win over Georgia, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fabian-ruiz/">Ruiz</a> reached 40 consecutive matches with the Spain national team without suffering a defeat. That streak began with his international debut in 2019 and has continued to this day. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder moved past Zidane, who with France went 39 matches without losing between 1997 and 2001.



Fabian Ruiz now sits in third place in the all-time ranking. Above him are only two retired players: Spain’s Carlos Marchena (57 matches from 2003 to 2010) and Brazil’s Mane Garrincha (49 matches from 1955 to 1966).



The Spanish player’s impressive numbers speak to his massive impact on the team, serving as a key piece for head coach Luis De la Fuente. But they also show a significant element of luck. Between 2019 and the present, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a> have lost more than one match, but he was not on the field for any of them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/23145436/Zinedine-Zidane-Real-Madrid-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="Zinedine Zidane smiling." class="wp-image-545307" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Zinedine Zidane went 39 matches without a loss with France.</figcaption></figure>



Spain’s most recent loss came in a friendly against Colombia in 2024, and that day Ruiz was a substitute and did not come on. The same thing happened in 2023, in a Euro qualifier against Scotland. Going further back is the FIFA World Cup 2022, in which Spain lost a match against Japan. However, Ruiz was not called up for that tournament. Situations like these go back several years and help explain Fabian’s remarkable streak.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentina-star-emiliano-martinez-fires-back-at-italy-coach-gattuso-over-world-cup-qualifiers-controversy/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251114_WST_604030_dibu-gattuso.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Gennaro Gattuso, head coach of Italy, criticized the South American World Cup qualifiers format, prompting a sharp response from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
" title="Argentina star Emiliano Martinez fires back at Italy coach Gattuso over World Cup qualifiers controversy" publication_id="WST#/news/argentina-star-emiliano-martinez-fires-back-at-italy-coach-gattuso-over-world-cup-qualifiers-controversy/"></div>


<h2>How does Cristiano Ronaldo compare to Ruiz?</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> is the all-time leading scorer in international soccer, with 143 goals in 226 matches for Portugal since his debut in 2003. However, he has never come close to a streak like the one Fabian Ruiz is posting with Spain.



Ronaldo’s longest unbeaten run with Portugal came between March 2005 and July 2006. During that stretch, the forward went 17 consecutive matches without defeat at the international level, including friendlies, European qualifiers, and four matches at the FIFA World Cup 2006. However, that streak ended with a 1–0 loss to France in the semifinals of that tournament.



<h2>How many matches did Messi go unbeaten with Argentina?</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, shows stronger numbers with Argentina. Since his debut in 2005, the forward has put together multiple significant unbeaten streaks with his national team. Two of them stand out in particular.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-gets-first-red-card-with-portugal-how-many-does-lionel-messi-have-with-argentina/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251113_WST_603472_lionel-messi-argentina-cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card with Portugal national team, a moment that raised comparisons with Lionel Messi&apos;s record with Argentina.
" title="Cristiano Ronaldo gets first red card with Portugal: How many does Lionel Messi have with Argentina?" publication_id="WST#/news/cristiano-ronaldo-gets-first-red-card-with-portugal-how-many-does-lionel-messi-have-with-argentina/"></div>


The first stretched to 27 matches, from November 2011 to July 2014. This included friendlies, South American qualifiers, and nearly the entire World Cup 2014. The streak broke at the worst possible moment, with the 1–0 loss to Germany in the final in Rio de Janeiro.



Years later, however, Messi reached 30 consecutive matches without defeat with Argentina. That streak began in July 2019, after losing the Copa America semifinals against Brazil. For more than three years, Lionel Scaloni’s team played friendlies, qualifiers, Copa America 2021, and the Finalissima 2022 without losing a single match.



The loss came, just like the previous time, at the World Cup. It happened in the memorable opener at Qatar 2022, when Argentina unexpectedly fell 2–1 to Arabia Saudita. Fortunately for Messi, they recovered afterward and went on a triumphant run all the way to the unforgettable final win against France.

Spain star Fabian Ruiz surpasses Zidane with international record not even Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo reached

Spain star Fabian Ruiz surpasses Zidane with international record not even Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo reached - World Soccer Talk

Spain started their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024</a> run with a commanding 3-0 victory against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/croatia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Croatia</a> on Saturday, with Fabian Ruiz playing a starring role.



While all tournament games are crucial, the matchup was immense considering how competitive Group B is. Along with the two continental heavyweights, reigning European champions <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/italy-national-team-tv-schedule/">Italy</a> is in the group as well. Losing this fixture would potentially put either side behind the eight ball.



Also highlighting the matchup was Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old phenom became the youngest player to ever feature at the Euros. 



Not only did the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> star break the record, but he did it by some margin. The previous record was held by former 17-year-old <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/poland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Poland</a> midfielder Kacper Kozlowski. 



Croatian star Luka Modric had just completed his fourth senior season at Dinamo Zagreb when <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c2ee2vq302no" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yamal</a> was born.



<h2>Spain scores trio of goals before halftime break</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a>, perhaps unsurprisingly, took control of the ball throughout the early stages of the match. Yamal was also used as a key outlet for his teammates going forward. The teen first found himself in a quality area inside the seventh minute. He then picked out Alvaro Morata near the edge of the Croatian box. The forward, however, sent a relatively tame effort towards Dominik Livakovic.



Spain finally took advantage of their chances by grabbing the lead in the 29th minute with a goal from Morata. Fabian Ruiz created the strike with a glorious ball that cut through the Croatian defense. The striker latched on to the clever pass, ran towards goal, and slotted a shot beyond Livakovic’s outstretched foot.



Ruiz then doubled his team’s lead just three minutes later. The creator of the first goal collected possession just outside of Croatia’s box, dribbled by a defender, and placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> midfielder’s third ever score for his national team. Ruiz also recently netted a goal in Spain’s most recent friendly fixture.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/16040946/imago1046371314h-1200x800-1200x800.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-511758" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Lamine Yamal looked perfectly at home in tournament football</figcaption></figure>



Spain went on to grab their third goal of the opening period just moments from the halftime break. The aforementioned Yamal started the play by sending a beautiful cross into the box from a corner routine. 



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>‘s Dani Carvajal somehow found himself all alone just a few yards from goal. The defender was able to stretch out a leg and get enough contact on the ball to put it beyond Livakovic.



<h2>Croatia fails to convert penalty kick late in matchup</h2>



Both sides had great opportunities to score early in the second half. Livakovic made an incredible save to deny a goal from Yamal in the 52nd minute.



The teen looked certain to score, but the Croatian keeper got down fast to make the block. Marc Cucurella then seemingly saved a goal at the other end just three minutes later. As a scramble ensued inside Spain’s box, the full back bravely stepped in front of a dangerous shot to keep the three-goal lead.



Croatia was given a late lifeline in the match thanks to a rare mistake by Simon. The Spanish goalkeeper was fantastic throughout the game, but a lapse in judgement gave his opponents a clear chance at a goal. 



Midfielder Rodri then brought down a player inside the box to give Croatia a penalty kick. 



Simon, however, redeemed himself by saving the spot kick, only for the rebound to fall to Perisic who put a cross into the box, which was converted by Bruno Petkovic. 



However, Perisic was deemed to have encroached into the penalty area and the goal was ruled out and Spain were given a free-kick.



The only real cause for concern for Spain on the day occurred with potential injury issues. Morata and Rodri were both forced off of the pitch seemingly due to a slight problems. The duo, however, was able to walk off of the pitch without noticeable limps. Both players were also seen smiling after the victory.



Spain will next try to take the positive momentum into a massive matchup with Italy. Croatia, on the other hand, is set to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/albania-national-team-tv-schedule/">Albania</a> next in essentially a must-win game for Modric’s team.



Photo credits: IMAGO / Matthias Koch : IMAGO / Jan Huebner

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