Paris St-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia expressed satisfaction at being nominated for the Ballon d'Or, describing the recognition as evidence that he has already accomplished something noteworthy. The 25-year-old Georgian is among 30 players in contention for the award, which will be presented on 26 October 2026.
To be a Ballon d'Or contender, it's already a pleasure to be among these players in the race,Kvaratskhelia said.
I feel already that I did something special in the last year, I'm really happy and let's see what's gonna happen.
His nomination comes after a standout season in which PSG's official profile notes he was named the Champions League's best player for 2025-26. The winger joined the French club in January 2025 for £59 million plus add-ons, becoming the first Georgian to play for PSG, and made an immediate impact in European competition. He was directly involved in seven Champions League goals across nine matches, contributing four goals and three assists.
The recognition holds particular significance for Kvaratskhelia as a representative of a small nation.
I'm happy that I represent Georgia, a small country. Little kids, they know that even if they are from a small country, they can achieve these things,he said.
How does Kvaratskhelia compare to George Best?
Comparisons have been drawn between Kvaratskhelia and George Best, the Northern Irish legend who won the Ballon d'Or in 1968. Northern Ireland remains the smallest country by population to have produced a Ballon d'Or winner. When asked about the comparison, Kvaratskhelia acknowledged the honour while expressing humility about the parallel.
What about George Best? I know him, of course. Some people a long time ago told me even when I played it seems like him. I'm not sure because he was one of the best in football history and it [the comparison] is a pleasure and I'm proud.
Michael O'Neill, the current Northern Ireland manager, drew a parallel between Best's significance to his nation and Kvaratskhelia's role for Georgia.
George Best, an iconic figure in in world football and obviously we're very privileged that he came from Northern Ireland. In many ways, he puts our country on the map,O'Neill said.
I think in Georgia, you have that situation now with Kvaratskhelia who I think is a world-class player.
O'Neill praised Kvaratskhelia's performances in the Champions League, noting his ability to influence matches single-handedly.
For me he was probably the best player in the Champions League last season over the whole competition. We obviously have to give him special attention. It's the same when you play against any world-class player in any country that you have to be aware that he can win the game in a moment, that he can create so much and he can lift his team as well.
What does his national coach say about his character?
Despite the individual accolades being pursued, Georgia's head coach Willy Sagnol emphasised that Kvaratskhelia remains focused on collective success rather than personal glory. Sagnol, a former France international who was a teammate of Zinedine Zidane during the midfielder's 1998 Ballon d'Or-winning year, contrasted modern attitudes with those of previous generations.
You were talking about Ballon d'Or, times maybe change but I think sometimes the past was better where players were playing and waiting to the end to see who would be Ballon d'Or and then be happy to be or disappointed not to be,Sagnol said.
Too many times in the last weeks, I see players saying 'I'm the best, I'm the best, I'm the best.' Khvicha never said that and that's why I'm very proud to be his head coach because he's not just about a fantastic football player, but he's also a fantastic personality who thinks always about the team and not about himself and I'm sure [on Friday] he will show it again.
What happens next for Kvaratskhelia?
Kvaratskhelia will have the opportunity to demonstrate his team-first mentality when Georgia hosts Northern Ireland on 25 September 2026 in the UEFA Nations League. The fixture marks the beginning of Georgia's League B campaign, with further matches against Hungary and Ukraine to follow. The Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on 26 October 2026, when the winner among the 30-player shortlist will be announced.
Key Facts:
- Kvaratskhelia was named the 2025-26 Champions League's best player after joining PSG in January 2025
- He is among 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the award ceremony scheduled for 26 October
- Northern Ireland, managed by Michael O'Neill, will face Georgia and Kvaratskhelia on 25 September 2026 in the Nations League
- Georgia's head coach Willy Sagnol praised Kvaratskhelia's focus on team success over individual recognition
- Northern Ireland remains the smallest country by population to have produced a Ballon d'Or winner, with George Best receiving the award in 1968
