REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
Former Manchester City attacker David Silva took fans by surprise when he came out of retirement this week and his choice to win this year's Ballon d'Or might also raise a few eyebrows.
The Spaniard might not have won the award during his time in European football, but he cemented his legacy as one of Spain and City's all-time greats. After just over three years out of the game, the four-time Premier League champion has decided to get his boots back on and play for Hong Kong Premier League outfit Sha Tin.
While the 40-year-old prepares to return to the pitch, Lionel Messi, just a year younger, is competing for a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or. The Argentine icon faces competition from Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe but Silva believes neither of them should be awarded football's most prestigious individual award.
David Silva Makes Shock Ballon d'Or Pick
David Silva
It's very rare to see one of the heavy underdogs win the Ballon d'Or and there perhaps wouldn't be a more unlikely winner in history than Fabian Ruiz. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is in contention having been nominated, and he's been picking up trophies throughout the year.
Ruiz helped PSG defend their Ligue 1 title and the UEFA Champions League before becoming a World Cup winner with Spain. It's been a year to remember for the Spaniard whose performances have earned plenty of plaudits along the way.
Silva believes Ruiz should be adding a Ballon d'Or award to his trophy collection, telling Spanish outlet El Partidazo de COPE: "For me, the collective takes precedence because otherwise, you couldn't win. But okay, if I had to give it to someone, it would be to Fabian, because in the last two years he is the one who has won the most titles."
The former City star added: "He has been important at PSG and then in the national team. Not much importance is given to him, I don't know why, because he is a great player. I like him a lot and quietly he has done an incredible job."
Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique and Fabian Ruiz celebrate after winning the UEFA Champions League
Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz
Ruiz's past season wasn't without its setbacks, as he spent periods on the sidelines and that might prevent him from finishing top of the Ballon d'Or podium. He appeared 34 times across competitions, scoring two goals and providing five assists.
The Spanish midfielder is one of nine PSG players nominated for the Ballon d'Or and it could be argued that he's not the frontrunner among them. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele's influence on the attacking side has put them in with a shout of taking the Golden Ball home.
A Ruiz Win Could Be One of Ballon d'Or's Biggest Upsets
REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Silva isn't the only one who has backed Ruiz to win the award, as PSG boss Luis Enrique also believes his midfielder is a worthy winner. There are different factors at play, including trophy success, statistical records and performances, and it's difficult to pit the Spaniard up against the likes of Yamal, Kane and Mbappe given their campaigns for club and country.
There have been some upsets in Ballon d'Or history that will give the 30-year-old hope. Igor Belanov beat Gary Lineker to the award in 1986 seemingly against all odds, while there remains debate over Pavel Nedved winning it at the expense of Thierry Henry in 2003.
Portugal's speaks Vitinha during a 2026 World Cup press conference
Portugal's speaks Vitinha during a 2026 World Cup press conference
Ruiz isn't helped by not winning any individual award in the competitions he played in last season. PSG teammates Dembele and Kvaratskhelia were named Ligue 1 and the Champions League Player of the Year respectively, while Rodri won the World Cup's Golden Ball.