Fabián: Spain's Lucky Charm

The Diccionario de la lengua española defines a talismán as "a person or thing believed to bring good luck." It even offers examples such as: "This stadium continues to be a lucky charm for the national team" and "She is the team's lucky charm." Fabián Ruiz's name could now be added to that list.

Wearing the Spain shirt, Fabián remains unbeaten in regulation time. The World Cup final marked his 50th international appearance, a remarkable milestone that includes 35 wins and 15 draws, with seven goals scored during that run.

Far beyond superstition or coincidence, the numbers speak for themselves: whenever Fabián has been on the pitch, Spain has not lost. His international debut came on 7 June 2019, when Spain defeated the Faroe Islands 4–1 in a UEFA Euro qualifier. From that first victory to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the United States, Mexico and Canada on 19 July 2026, he has put together an extraordinary unbeaten streak spanning 50 consecutive matches. During that time, he has helped Spain win the 2023 UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2024, and, just days ago, the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Seville-born midfielder boasts a 70% win rate across his 50 appearances for Spain.

Fabián's performances throughout the newly won World Cup were outstanding. He featured in all eight matches, playing 323 minutes, and opened the scoring in the quarter-final against Belgium. He also completed 244 passes with an impressive 92% accuracy.

His club season has been equally exceptional, adding the World Cup trophy to a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Fabián: Spain's lucky charm, and still unbeaten.