David Silva backs Fabián Ruiz for the Ballon d'Or and warns Real Madrid about La Liga race

David Silva has returned to the centre of the football conversation after an interview on Cadena Cope's El Partidazo. The former Valencia, Manchester City and Real Sociedad star not only revealed his pick for the upcoming Ballon d'Or, but also sent a clear message to Real Madrid about their chances in La Liga. Now 40 and retired since the summer of 2023, his words still carry significant weight in Spanish football.

The interview came alongside news of a brief return to the pitch. Silva will play one match for Supreme Sha Tin in the Hong Kong Premier League, a one-off appearance that does not change his status as a retired player but shows that football still has a strong pull on him.

• David Silva sees Fabián Ruiz as the rightful Ballon d'Or winner thanks to his consistency and recent trophy haul with PSG and Spain.
• He pointed out that Rodri Hernández already claimed the award and would otherwise have been in his thoughts as well.
• He believes that if Barcelona keep performing at their current level under Flick, Real Madrid will find the six-point gap almost impossible to close.
• Even so, he stressed that Real Madrid can never be written off while they remain within reach late in the season.

Why David Silva is backing Fabián Ruiz for the Ballon d'Or

Silva did not hesitate when asked about the award set to be handed out in London. He argued that collective success should always come before individual recognition, but accepted giving a name if forced to choose. His pick was clear: Fabián Ruiz, the PSG midfielder.

If I had to give it to someone, it would be Fabián, because over the last two years he has won more titles than anyone. He has been important for PSG and then for the national team.

The former Manchester City playmaker praised the Spaniard's quiet but decisive work, both in Paris and with the national team, where he was a key figure in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. Silva admitted he struggles to understand why Ruiz does not get more attention and described him as a top-class player who has delivered an outstanding job without making noise.

Rodri Hernández also on David Silva's mind

Silva made sure to mention Rodri Hernández, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024. He explained that if the Manchester City midfielder had not already lifted the trophy, his name would have been part of the same conversation. That note reinforces Silva's view on the type of footballer who deserves such awards: players who provide balance, carry their teams and win major titles without seeking the spotlight.

His warning to Real Madrid over the La Liga title race

Silva was just as direct when discussing the domestic title race. Real Madrid trail Barcelona by six points and have little margin for error. For the Canary Islander, the decisive factor is not only what Carlo Ancelotti's side does, but the form of a Barcelona team enjoying an outstanding moment.

If Barça keep playing like this, it is impossible. They are at a very high level, they have been playing well for a few years with this coach and they have strengthened very well.

He highlighted the impact of Hansi Flick and the depth of a squad that has improved its intensity and reliability across every line. From his point of view, if Barcelona maintain this rhythm, no rival will be able to catch them in the table.

Real Madrid can never be ruled out of the race

Despite his strong view, Silva stopped short of closing the title race completely. He recalled Real Madrid's historic ability to compete until the very end and pointed to the quality of a squad filled with match-winning players. If the team in white manages to stay close to the leaders in the final weeks, the pressure could shift quickly and any Barcelona slip would reopen the battle.

That mix of realism about Barcelona's form and respect for Madrid's reputation sums up the outlook of a player who knows both sides of Spanish football from the inside: the talent to dominate matches and the belief of clubs used to winning when everything seems lost.

David Silva's one-off return in Hong Kong

The interview coincided with unexpected news about his career. Silva will put his boots back on to play one match for Supreme Sha Tin in the Hong Kong Premier League. This is not a long-term professional comeback, but a special appearance that will give the former Spain international a brief return to the pitch he enjoyed for more than two decades.

At 40 and with a remarkable legacy in Spain and England, this short cameo is a curiosity that does not overshadow his retirement or alter his record. It does, however, confirm that David Silva remains connected to the game from every angle: as a special guest, as an analyst of current football and as a point of reference for younger generations.