In 2023, Fabián Ruiz won the UEFA Nations League and UEFA EURO 2024 with Spain – and now a UEFA Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain – he is eager to add to his already impressive international record as the Nations League finals commence.

Speaking to UEFA before the semi-final against France, the midfielder discussed his experiences in the competition, his determination to defend Spain's title, and the charm of his village's tomatoes.

On Nations League ambitions

We enter every match determined to win and perform at our best. We recognize the opportunity to make history by securing the Nations League, the EURO, and then the Nations League again, as no other team has accomplished this.

We possess the talent and confidence in ourselves, given our strong form. It will be challenging, but we'll give everything we have. We're like a family, always united, as shown in the penalty shoot-out against the Netherlands.

I'm immensely proud to represent my country and be part of this group. I hope we achieve even more successes together.

On hailing from Los Palacios y Villafranca, like Jesús Navas and Gavi

It's remarkable that such a small village in Seville has produced three players for the Spanish national team. This is unprecedented, and we're thrilled to represent our town across Spain and globally.

Some attribute our success to the tomatoes, as they're a staple of our community. Whenever we win a title, we're awarded our weight in tomatoes. I received more than Gavi and Jesús Navas simply because I weigh a little more.

On his first steps in football

I would go to the park to play with my older brother. He started taking me along when I was three or four years old.

Initially, people questioned him, asking, 'Why are you bringing your little brother? He's too young.' But as I improved, they wanted to play with me because they saw I had a knack for football.

I continued to grow and began including my cousin and sister; we were a tight-knit family that played together. I learned a great deal from the streets and from school as well.