As London prepares to host the Ballon d’Or ceremony in the coming weeks, the debate has stretched well beyond the headline duel between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. Across the European game, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz have emerged as serious alternatives in the conversation.
Santi Cañizares, the former Valencia goalkeeper now working as a commentator and analyst, has placed both men ahead of the two more frequently discussed candidates. Speaking on El Partidazo, Cañizares said his own vote would go first to Kane and Fabián Ruiz on the strength of their respective seasons.
“I am only saying who I would vote for,” Cañizares explained. “For me, there are two candidates above Lamine and Mbappé: Harry Kane and Fabián, because of what they have done during the season.” He added that he considered their achievements more difficult to accomplish.
Kane’s standing reflects another prolific campaign in Munich, while Fabián has gathered substantial support after his work in PSG’s midfield and his continued importance for Spain. The former Real Betis player also has a powerful advocate inside the Paris club: Luis Enrique.
The PSG coach said in mid-August that he would give the award to Fabián, pointing to a trophy record that includes the World Cup, the European Championship two years ago, two successive Champions League titles and the Nations League.
With the ceremony approaching in the English capital, the contest remains open. Lamine Yamal and Mbappé may dominate much of the public discussion, but Kane and Fabián Ruiz have influential voices arguing that the season’s most demanding achievements should carry them closer to football’s individual prize.
