Dani Ceballos names his Ballon d’Or choices: Fabián Ruiz first, Mbappé next

Dani Ceballos discussed the Ballon d’Or race after Real Betis’ 1-0 league victory over Getafe. The former Real Madrid midfielder backed his friend Fabián Ruiz first, but named Kylian Mbappé as his preferred alternative.

FABIÁN RUIZ GETS THE FIRST VOTE

Ceballos spoke to reporters in the mixed zone after Betis recorded their fifth win in six La Liga matches. Asked about his favourite for the award, he initially focused on Fabián Ruiz and the midfielder’s collective achievements.

“There is a lot of noise around it. Fabián has won practically everything at team level. If it is not him, then let Kylian Mbappé win it,” Ceballos said.

This was not an unconditional endorsement of the Real Madrid forward. Ceballos gave priority to his long-time Spain teammate and then presented Mbappé as his second choice. Even so, the Frenchman’s inclusion in such a short answer underlines the strength of his position in the debate over football’s leading individual prize.

MBAPPÉ REMAINS A LEADING CONTENDER

Mbappé has also spoken openly about his ambitions. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, he said this was a good year for him to win the Ballon d’Or and described his performances as his best advocate. He added that his main wish was to see the award return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ceballos did not attempt to settle the entire race or dismiss the achievements of other candidates. His answer combined loyalty to a compatriot with recognition of Mbappé’s standing. For Real Madrid, it is another indication that their forward remains one of the central figures in this year’s Ballon d’Or discussion.