Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earns Platini's Ballon d'Or backing

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has received a major endorsement in the Ballon d’Or debate, with three-time winner Michel Platini identifying the Paris Saint-Germain winger as his choice. The former France captain and UEFA president gave his backing to the Georgia international on Sunday’s Canal Football Club programme.

Platini’s support is based largely on Kvaratskhelia’s contribution to PSG’s European success last season. In the Champions League, the winger finished with 10 goals and six assists, numbers that helped convince Platini that he was central to the club’s triumph. For the former midfielder, the award should recognise the player’s influence across the season rather than focus only on one tournament.

The race remains open, with Platini seeing four or five credible candidates. Kylian Mbappe produced a powerful campaign and finished as the leading scorer everywhere, but his lack of a trophy could count against him. Rodri was described as highly important to his team, Lamine Yamal as the most naturally gifted footballer, and Fabian Ruiz as the player who won the most.

Michael Olise was also considered, although Platini judged that his level fell sharply during the World Cup knockout rounds. He also argued that no player, apart from Mbappe, stood clearly above the rest at the tournament. In that context, Kvaratskhelia’s Champions League season gives him a strong case, with Platini placing greater weight on a competition played over the full campaign than on a World Cup lasting one month.