Early career
Jean Ruiz began his football journey at ASCA Wittelsheim at the age of six. He later joined US Wittenheim in 2011 before moving to the FC Sochaux-Montbéliard youth academy in 2012. [1]
In August 2014, at just 16 years old, he made his debut with the Sochaux reserve team in the Championnat National 2 against FC Fleury 91. [2] At the end of the season, he won the 2014-15 Coupe Gambardella with Sochaux's U19 team, coming on as a substitute in the 62nd minute to help secure a 2–0 victory against Olympique lyonnais. That same year, he was part of the French U17 team that won the European Championship by defeating Germany. [1] Ruiz was also selected to participate in the World Cup later that year. [3]
Prior to the start of the 2016–2017 season, Ruiz signed his first professional contract with Sochaux, [4] making his professional debut two months later in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Gazélec Ajaccio.
In June 2019, Ruiz transferred to FC Sion in Switzerland. [5]
Pau FC
At the start of the 2022-2023 season, Ruiz returned to France, signing with Pau FC in Ligue 2. Initially expected to serve as a backup to captain Antoine Batisse and veteran Xavier Kouassi, Ruiz was thrust into a starting role following Batisse's injury. He played 39 matches and was instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation, establishing himself as a key player for the team. [6]
Despite receiving numerous offers during the offseason, Ruiz chose to remain with Pau for the 2023-2024 season, despite the club's new focus on player trading. [7] Over the course of his time at Pau, he played 71 of 76 possible Ligue 2 matches, scoring three goals and becoming one of the team's most utilized players. [8]
In June 2024, it was announced that Ruiz, who was at the end of his contract, had signed a two-year extension with Pau FC, keeping him with the club until 2026. This decision was welcomed by the club's management and supporters, as Ruiz was the most utilized outfield player for Pau in the previous season, appearing in 35 matches and scoring three goals. [9]
