From the Canary Islands to Valencia, Manchester, San Sebastián and Spain’s great international nights, David Silva built a career around collective success rather than individual acclaim. Now 40 and retired since the summer of 2023, the former Spain midfielder has offered a clear view on the next Ballon d’Or race, backing Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabián Ruiz while casting doubt on Real Madrid’s ability to catch Barcelona in La Liga.
A brief return in Hong Kong
Silva is set to pull on his boots again for a single appearance with Supreme Sha Tin in Hong Kong’s Premier League. It will not mark a full comeback, but a one-match engagement for a player whose club journey took him through Valencia, Manchester City and Real Sociedad.
His Spain career ran from 2006 to 2018, during an era in which the national side collected major honours and Silva became one of its most dependable technical figures.
Fabián Ruiz named as Silva’s Ballon d’Or choice
With the individual award due to be presented in London in the coming weeks, Silva argued that the prize should go to a Spanish player. His preferred candidate is Fabián Ruiz, whose influence for PSG and Spain has impressed the former midfielder.
- Silva said team achievement must come before individual recognition, arguing that major honours cannot be won without the collective.
- He selected Fabián because he believes the PSG midfielder has accumulated more trophies than anyone else over the past two years.
- Silva highlighted Fabián’s importance both in Paris and with the Spanish national team.
- He said the midfielder does not receive the credit he deserves, describing him as an outstanding player who has done remarkable work without demanding attention.
- Silva added that Rodri would also have been in his thoughts had the Manchester City player not already won the award.
Barcelona’s level sets the title pace
Silva was equally forthright when asked whether Real Madrid can overturn the six-point gap separating them from Barcelona and take the league title. In his view, Madrid’s hopes depend largely on whether Hansi Flick’s Barcelona lose momentum.
“If Barcelona continue like this, it is impossible,” Silva said. “They are at a very high level, have played very well for several years under this coach, and have strengthened very well. If they stay at this level, they will have no rival.”
He nevertheless stopped short of dismissing Madrid entirely, pointing to the weight of the club and the quality within its squad.
- Silva said Real Madrid can never be considered finished because of their elite players.
- He believes they could still compete if they remain close to Barcelona as the season approaches its final stretch.
- But his conclusion remained unchanged: should Barcelona maintain their present standard, he does not expect Madrid to recover the ground.
