A pleasure to be among Ballon d’Or contenders – Kvaratskhelia

Paris Saint-Germain striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia expressed delight at being among the contenders for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. The 25-year-old Georgian international was named to the 30-player shortlist following an outstanding 2025-26 season, during which he was recognized as Champions League Player of the Season. Kvaratskhelia told BBC Sport, "To be a Ballon d’Or contender, it’s already a pleasure to be among these players in the race."

He added, "I feel already that I did something special in the last year, I’m really happy and let’s see what’s gonna happen." Kvaratskhelia particularly valued representing Georgia on the world's most prominent individual football stage, stating, "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."

When asked about comparisons to Northern Ireland's George Best, a Ballon d’Or winner in 1968, Kvaratskhelia replied, "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."