Fabian Ruiz (29), Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, spoke to SoFoot about the club’s transformation following Kylian Mbappé’s departure. The Spanish international explained how Luis Enrique managed to instill a powerful collective spirit, enabling the team to compensate for the loss of their former talisman while allowing individual talents to flourish.
Ruiz: “We shared that responsibility among all of us”
“Mbappé’s departure from PSG? Luis Enrique made it clear from the start that even with his exit, we could be as good — or even better — than last season. He told us that we would all pull in the same direction and collectively score all the goals Mbappé used to score. And that’s exactly what happened — we shared that responsibility among all of us.”
Ruiz: “Proof of that is nine of us being nominated for the Ballon d’Or!”
“The proof is that last season, several players beat their personal records in goals and assists. I believe this PSG side has multiple stars — players of immense talent, all at a world-class level. Proof of that is nine of us being nominated for the Ballon d’Or!”
Paris Saint-Germain has rediscovered a sense of harmony that had been missing for years. Without Kylian Mbappé’s central figure, the locker room feels lighter, the roles are more balanced, and the game flows naturally. Luis Enrique has created an environment where every player — whether starter or substitute — feels valued and essential.
That equality translates onto the pitch: there are no inflated egos, only a collective commitment. The team defends together, attacks together, and supports each other through tough moments. Young players like Warren Zaïre-Emery (19) and Bradley Barcola (23) thrive without undue pressure, while leaders such as Marquinhos, Ruiz, and Hakimi provide mental and tactical stability.
This PSG feels calmer, more united, and more authentic in its pursuit of victory. The players no longer play for a superstar — they play with one another, in service of a single principle: the team comes first.
