When listing the top names for the Ballon d’Or this season, many people don’t have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in their top 3 nominees.
When discussions about the 2026 Ballon d’Or begin, most conversations will naturally revolve around star names such as Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Lamine Yamal.
However, one player who deserves to be firmly in that conversation is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger has enjoyed a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain, combining elite individual performances with major team success on both domestic and European fronts.
His Impact In The Champions League
One of the strongest arguments in Kvaratskhelia’s favour is his impact in the UEFA Champions League.
PSG’s successful title defence was built on collective brilliance, but Kvaratskhelia consistently delivered when the stakes were highest.
Throughout the competition, he contributed 10 goals and 7 assists in 16 games while tormenting some of Europe’s best defenders. His ability to influence matches in both scoring and chance creation made him one of the tournament’s most decisive players.
What separates Kvaratskhelia from many Ballon d’Or contenders is how often he produced in the knockout rounds.
While several stars faded as the competition progressed, the Georgian elevated his performances. He played a key role in PSG’s run through the latter stages, regularly creating game-changing moments against elite opposition.
His influence was recognised at the highest level when he was named the tournament’s best player. Winning the Champions League alone significantly boosts a Ballon d’Or campaign, but being recognised as the standout performer in Europe’s premier competition carries even greater weight.
🚨⭐️ OFFICIAL: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wins UEFA Player of the Season for the Champions League 2025/26!
17 G/A in 16 games. More goals contributions than games. pic.twitter.com/yUasmbbozl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 31, 2026
Historically, players who dominate the Champions League often find themselves among the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Domestic Performance
Domestically, Kvaratskhelia was equally impressive. Since arriving in France, he has adapted seamlessly to Ligue 1 and become one of PSG’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
𝗡𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗞𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗔… 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗗 🇬🇪💔
Kvaratskhelia gave us a season to remember… Such a shame he won’t be at the 2026 World Cup 😭
𝗞𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔 this season:
🏆 Champions League winner
🏆 Ligue 1 winner
🌟 Champions… pic.twitter.com/WeHdCBVbAn— 433 (@433) June 2, 2026
His combination of pace, creativity, direct running, and finishing has made him a nightmare for defenders. While PSG possess an abundance of attacking talent, Kvaratskhelia frequently emerged as the player capable of unlocking stubborn defences and changing the course of matches through individual brilliance.
The comparison with teammate Dembele is particularly interesting. Dembele enjoyed another outstanding campaign and remains one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or due to his goals, assists, and overall influence.
However, Kvaratskhelia’s case is arguably strengthened by his performances on the biggest stage. While Dembele delivered moments of magic throughout the season, Kvaratskhelia often appeared more decisive in crucial Champions League encounters. The Georgian’s consistency across the knockout rounds gives him a compelling edge in the debate.
Trophies have always played a major role in determining Ballon d’Or winners, and Kvaratskhelia’s résume is exceptionally strong.
📊 Kvaratskhelia, Yamal, Olise, Mbappe, Dembele and Kane – club stats this season:
🇬🇪 Kvaratskhelia: 18 goals, 10 assists
🇪🇸 Yamal: 24 goals, 17 assists
🇫🇷 Olise: 22 goals, 26 assists
🇫🇷 Mbappe: 42 goals, 6 assists
🇫🇷 Dembele: 20 goals, 11 assists
🏴 Kane: 61 goals, 7 assists… pic.twitter.com/v3fANWJ0B1— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) May 31, 2026
He helped PSG secure the Ligue 1 title and played a central role in their successful Champions League campaign. Winning both major trophies in the same season places him among an elite group of players who have combined individual excellence with collective success.
