Faouzi Ghoulam on how PSG “snatched” Fabián Ruiz from Real Madrid

Faouzi Ghoulam, former teammate of Fabián Ruiz at Napoli, laid out in an interview with Corriere dello Sport how the midfielder’s PSG move in 2022 happened—and how Real Madrid fit into it. He linked the transfer to a clear motive: according to Ghoulam, PSG signed him “to harm” Real Madrid.

The story began with a question about the Ballon d’Or. Ghoulam said he would have mentioned Fabián Ruiz as a lifelong friend, even if he doesn’t see him among the main favourites. After that, when he was asked what went on with PSG and Real Madrid, he offered a blunt explanation: “Fabián was at Napoli, and Ancelotti wanted to bring him back to Real Madrid. He had one year left on his contract, so he could leave for free.”

What changed before the move

Ghoulam added that Real Madrid couldn’t act at that time because they were trying to sign Kylian Mbappé before his renewal with PSG. With that timing, he said PSG moved first once they knew Real Madrid wanted Fabián. He also argued that early on the player didn’t get minutes because, in his view, PSG had recruited him with that competitive aim: “They signed him to hurt Real Madrid. Then they ended up with the best midfielder in the world.” Mundo Deportivo.