Fabián Ruiz: Spain and PSG's midfield engine
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BETIS BEGINNINGS
A lanky, left-footed midfielder capable of playing in any role from a number six to a number ten, Ruiz was born in the Seville suburb of Los Palacios y Villafranca, and was something of a late bloomer at his hometown club, Real Betis. After making a truncated run of appearances, his loan spell to Elche in 2017 proved his value, and he became a mainstay the following season under Quiqué Setien, the club's new manager. With three goals and six assists, his versatility made him key component of his side's midfield following the departure of Dani Ceballos to Real Madrid, helping his team come sixth and secure European football for the following campaign.
COPA TRIUMPH WITH NAPOLI AND A SPANISH DEBUT
Things would continue to improve for Ruiz from there, but his impressive play meant that he would make a move to Italy in the summer of 2018, joining an ambitious Napoli side following the departure of Jorginho to Chelsea. Quickly becoming a regular in the Neapolitans' midfield, he was a regular as the team won the Coppa Italia the following season, as well as reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout stages and making his debut for his country.
Two more seasons would follow with Napoli, and despite no small amount of managerial churn, Ruiz was a consistently impressive force in midfield, continuing to be a regular for his country at senior level in addition to securing the 2019 U-21 European Championship, a tournament in which he took home the Golden Ball as the best player.
STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH LUCHO
In the summer of 2022, though, Ruiz would make a move to France, joining Paris Saint-Germain. With the champions, he struggled at times in his first season, having been one of four midfield arrivals that summer alongside Vitinha, Renato Sanches and countryman Carlos Soler. The 2023/24 season saw Ruiz blossom, though, forming an impressive trio alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery. His goal in the final helped secure the Coupe de France for his side, and he has built on that form in the Euros, scoring twice and adding and a pair of assists in Spain's first six matches. Now with the final on the horizon, he will look to deliver the title for La Roja for the first time since 2012.
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