Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has described his inclusion among the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees as a “pleasure”, saying he is proud to be considered for one of football’s most prestigious individual awards.
The Georgia international was included in the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football in September, following a standout campaign with Paris Saint-Germain in which he played an important role in the club’s successful defence of the UEFA Champions League title.
Kvaratskhelia, 25, is among 10 PSG players nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, a record number of nominees from a single club. The French champions also secured their second consecutive Champions League title during the 2025–26 season.
Kvaratskhelia welcomes Ballon d’Or recognition
Speaking about his nomination, Kvaratskhelia said he was pleased simply to be part of the group competing for the award.
The PSG winger acknowledged that the final decision rests with the voters and said his focus was on continuing to perform at a high level.
His comments came after former football greats, including Michel Platini and Toni Kroos, publicly expressed support for his candidacy. Kvaratskhelia said such recognition from established figures in the sport was a source of pride.
The Georgian’s approach has been notably measured, with the player stressing that the outcome is outside his control while concentrating on his performances on the pitch.
A decisive Champions League campaign
Kvaratskhelia’s Ballon d’Or nomination follows a particularly productive Champions League campaign.
According to Paris Saint-Germain, he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 16 Champions League appearances during the 2025–26 campaign.
Those figures made him one of the club’s key attacking contributors as PSG became European champions for a second successive season. He was particularly influential during the knockout stages, including scoring twice in the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich.
UEFA also highlighted his contribution during the campaign, with seven of his 10 Champions League goals coming during the knockout phase.
His performances helped establish him as one of the most prominent players in PSG’s European title defence.
PSG dominate the Ballon d’Or shortlist
Kvaratskhelia is part of an unprecedented PSG presence on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The club has 10 nominees: Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz, Ferran Torres and Vitinha.
PSG said the number represents a new record for the most players from a single club to appear on the 30-player men’s shortlist.
The nominations reflect the club’s success across the previous season, particularly its Champions League triumph.
Dembélé, who won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, is also among the nominees for the second consecutive year. The French forward scored eight goals and registered two assists in 13 Champions League appearances during PSG’s title-winning campaign.
Kvaratskhelia faces strong competition
The Georgian forward’s nomination comes in a highly competitive year for the Ballon d’Or.
The shortlist includes several players who had major individual and team achievements during the 2025–26 season, including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Dembélé.
Kane produced a prolific campaign for Bayern Munich and England, while Mbappé played a significant role for Real Madrid and France. Yamal was also among the leading names discussed following his club and international performances.
Kvaratskhelia’s case is distinctive because Georgia did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. That means his candidacy is based largely on his club performances, particularly his contribution to PSG’s Champions League success.
L’Équipe reported that Kvaratskhelia recognised the importance of the voters’ decision but remained pleased to be included among the nominees.
Support from Dembélé and football legends
Kvaratskhelia has also received public backing from prominent figures within football.
Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has named his PSG teammate among the players he considers in contention for this year’s award.
The French forward has previously praised Kvaratskhelia’s performances, while former France captain Platini and former Germany international Kroos have also expressed support for the Georgian winger’s candidacy.
Such endorsements do not determine the award, however. The Ballon d’Or winner will ultimately be decided through the established voting process.
What Kvaratskhelia’s nomination means
Kvaratskhelia’s inclusion represents another significant milestone in his rapid rise at the highest level of European football.
After establishing himself at Napoli before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, the Georgian has become an important figure in a PSG side that has consolidated its position among Europe’s leading clubs.
His 2025–26 Champions League campaign was particularly notable. His 10 goals and six assists gave him 16 direct goal contributions in the competition, while UEFA recognised his performances as part of PSG’s successful title defence.
For Georgia, his nomination also provides another significant moment for a country that has increasingly gained visibility in elite European football through the performances of its leading players.
Ballon d’Or ceremony set for October
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
The men’s award is one of several honours to be presented, with nominees also announced for categories including the Yashin Trophy, Kopa Trophy, Coach of the Year and Club of the Year.
Until the ceremony, Kvaratskhelia remains one of the 30 officially nominated players rather than the confirmed winner.
His own comments suggest that he is treating the nomination as recognition of his work while leaving the final decision to the voters.
For the PSG forward, being included among the world’s leading players is already a significant achievement after a season in which he helped the French club retain its place at the top of European football.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
Paris Saint-Germain
UEFA
L’Équipe
Associated Press
Reuters
Al Jazeera
