Fabián Ruiz Achieves Rare Double: Champions League and World Cup Win, Extends Unbeaten Spain Streak

Fabián Ruiz, the talented Spanish midfielder, has etched his name into football history by achieving a remarkable double: winning both the Champions League and the World Cup in the same season. This rare feat places him among an exclusive group of just ten players to accomplish such a challenging achievement. His incredible season was capped off by Spain’s World Cup victory, where he also extended an unprecedented personal record for the national team.

Unbeaten Half-Century for Spain

The World Cup final not only brought Spain glory but also marked Fabián Ruiz’s 50th international match for his country, a milestone he reached without suffering a single defeat. This extraordinary unbeaten streak is the longest by any male footballer in the 21st century. His journey with the national team began in 2019, following Spain’s disappointing exit from the 2018 World Cup. While his debut against the Faroe Islands was a comfortable win, his subsequent career saw him navigate a highly competitive midfield, sometimes falling out of favor but consistently contributing to Spain’s success when on the field.

Key facts:
| Player | Unbeaten International Matches | Period |
|—|—|—|
| Fabián Ruiz | 50 | 2019-2026 |
| Garrincha | 49 | pre-1966 |
| Jens Stryger Larsen | 36 | Denmark |
| Leandro Dendoncker | 32 | 2015-2023 |

Navigating the National Team Landscape

Despite his current record, Fabián Ruiz’s path in the national team has not always been straightforward. He saw limited action during the delayed Euro 2020 (played in 2021) and was notably absent from the squad between July 2021 and late 2022, missing the World Cup in Qatar. He returned to the fold in March 2023, resuming his unbeaten run in matches where he played. Instances where Spain lost, such as against Scotland or Colombia, saw him remain on the bench. The only technical ‘non-win’ during his active participation was the Nations League final against Portugal, which Spain lost on penalties, statistically counting as a draw. His ability to maintain an unbeaten record over 50 appearances highlights his consistent performance and the team’s strength when he is part of the starting eleven.

Joining an Elite Club

Fabián Ruiz now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with football legends who have won both the Champions League (or its predecessors) and the World Cup in the same season. This prestigious list includes icons like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Sepp Maier, Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck, Paul Breitner, Uli Hoeness, Christian Karembeu, Roberto Carlos, and Raphaël Varane. This dual achievement underscores his critical role in his club’s European success and Spain’s triumph on the global stage, marking him as one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Historical Context of Unbeaten Streaks

Ruiz’s 50-match unbeaten streak surpasses even that of legendary Brazilian Garrincha, who remained undefeated for his first 49 international appearances. Garrincha’s 50th international match, also at a World Cup (1966), ended in a 3-1 loss to Hungary. In modern football, other players like Denmark’s Jens Stryger Larsen (36 matches), Leandro Dendoncker of Belgium (32 matches), and Italy’s Nicolò Barella (31 matches) have also achieved significant unbeaten runs, but none as extensive as Ruiz’s. Among current Dutch internationals, Mark Flekken leads with 12 unbeaten games, illustrating the rarity and difficulty of such a sustained record at the international level.

This extraordinary season for Fabián Ruiz solidifies his status as a pivotal figure in both club and international football. His unique blend of Champions League and World Cup success, combined with his remarkable unbeaten streak for Spain, makes him a player to watch for many seasons to come.

Source: Voetbal International, https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/fabian-ruiz-in-bijzonder-rijtje-na-verlenging-van-ongekende-reeks

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