Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia emerges as Ballon d’Or contender

Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia has moved into serious Ballon d’Or consideration for 2026, with his decisive role in Paris Saint-Germain’s European success giving him a clear foundation for his candidacy. Three-time winner Michel Platini has also identified the Georgian winger as his preferred successor to Ousmane Dembélé.

Kvaratskhelia was named the Champions League’s best player by UEFA after producing 10 goals and six assists in 16 appearances during PSG’s campaign. His influence was especially visible in important matches, while he also scored a decisive goal early in the current season’s European Super Cup.

The main weakness in his case is his absence from the World Cup. That could weigh against him because performances at major international tournaments are given particular importance, but it is not necessarily decisive. Several prominent rivals, including Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, also failed to win that competition.

The award’s ranking places individual impact first, including a player’s ability to determine matches, followed by collective honours with club and country. Fair play and sporting class form the third criterion. Kvaratskhelia’s European production, PSG’s title and his influence in the biggest club fixtures therefore give him a substantial case, even without a World Cup campaign.