Luis Enrique backs Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Luis Enrique has identified Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, adding another PSG name to the club’s growing list of candidates. The coach also recognised Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, while noting that he is not especially interested in individual awards.

PSG began their Champions League campaign with a 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava. Ferran Torres scored three times, Dembélé added two goals and two assists, and Fabian Ruiz completed the scoring. Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, Marquinhos and João Neves started on the bench, with the Georgian and Doué not entering the match.

Dembélé’s display strengthened his case to retain the award he currently holds. He played for an hour and earned strong praise from Enrique for his work with and without the ball. The performance also offered a positive response after PSG’s uneven Ligue 1 opening, which has brought two draws and one defeat despite the club’s European ambitions.

Enrique said the depth of PSG’s squad gives the team several credible contenders. Alongside Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha and Ruiz, the wider group includes Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, João Neves, Willian Pacho and Torres.