Ballon d'Or 2026: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia discusses the trophy's importance for Georgia

Despite missing the 2026 World Cup with Georgia, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is one of the serious candidates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

French champion and, above all, winner of the Champions League, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made a huge impact with Paris Saint-Germain last season. His performances in the Champions League, where he played a decisive role in the competition's final eight matches, with an impressive tally of 10 goals and 7 assists in 16 appearances, put him in a strong position for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Named the Champions League's best player, the Georgian has a strong case and is among the contenders.

Speaking to the BBC, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia discussed the possibility of winning the award and what it would mean for his country, Georgia. “I think that for the big football nations, it is difficult to understand what this represents for a small country. It is something that seems very far away, almost impossible. I am very proud to be one of the contenders. Being alongside such extraordinary players is a privilege. Obviously, I would be the happiest man in the world, because I want to make my family and my country proud. I am very proud of what I have achieved in football. But I want to continue on this path. I always say that what God wants will happen. I simply continue to work and train. I remain the same; I do not want to change anything. We will see what happens,” he said.

Read also: 2026 Ballon d'Or: best coach, Rodri has made his choice

Joshua SOSSOU

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As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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