Magath puts Real Madrid’s Marc Cucurella top of his Ballon d’Or picks

Felix Magath has made a surprise choice for this year’s Ballon d’Or, placing Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella ahead of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz in his top three.

The former Bayern Munich manager selected three players from the Spain national team, with Cucurella taking first place. Rodri, who plays for Barcelona, was named second, while Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz completed the list in third.

According to German newspaper Bild, Magath’s decision was based on Cucurella’s performances at left-back. The 28-year-old was praised for combining defensive strength and physical ability with an important attacking contribution, qualities which Magath believes have made him a key member of the Spain national team.

“ He is a world-class player at left-back, always present, strong in his running and rarely fails in a tackle,” Magath said.

The German coach also pointed to Cucurella’s significant role in Spain’s World Cup triumph as a major reason for ranking him first. That contribution, he believes, strengthens the defender’s claim to football’s most prestigious individual award.

Magath highlighted Cucurella’s ability to perform both sides of the position without allowing one responsibility to undermine the other. The defender helps maintain his team’s defensive shape while continuing to support attacks, participate in forward movement and contribute to the construction of play.

Rodri and Fabian Ruiz

Rodri was placed second in Magath’s selection. The Barcelona player was described as the driving force of Spain’s midfield, with his influence built on organising the team, linking the different lines and setting the rhythm of matches.

Magath also credited Rodri with the ability to control the flow of games. His role, in the former Bayern Munich manager’s view, extends beyond passing between defence and attack: he provides the structure that allows Spain’s midfield to operate and helps dictate how matches develop.

Fabian Ruiz was chosen in third place. The Paris Saint-Germain player, who is 30, was recognised by Magath for the balance and stability he brings to the Spain national team.

The German said Ruiz occupies an important position within the team’s system, helping provide control and consistency alongside his technical contribution. Magath also used Ruiz’s success with Paris Saint-Germain as part of his argument.

Ruiz won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, an achievement Magath considers significant when assessing the midfielder’s place among the leading players in the world. In his view, Ruiz’s honours and performances justify his inclusion in the top three for this year’s Ballon d’Or.