Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has described his inclusion among the contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or as a source of pride, saying it is a privilege to be considered alongside some of the world’s leading footballers.
The Georgia international is among the nominees for this year’s prestigious individual award, with the ceremony scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre.
Speaking about his nomination, Kvaratskhelia said he was particularly proud to represent Georgia, a country with a relatively small population, on one of football’s biggest individual stages.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to be in this race,” the PSG forward said, acknowledging the quality of players included among the contenders.
Kvaratskhelia’s nomination follows a highly successful 2025/26 campaign with PSG, during which the French club won major domestic and European honours.
The 25-year-old played an important role in PSG’s Champions League success, contributing goals and assists during the knockout stages as the club secured another European title.
His performances have also earned him recognition beyond the Ballon d’Or nomination. Recent reports have highlighted his impact during PSG’s Champions League campaign, particularly in the knockout rounds.
Kvaratskhelia has also spoken about the significance of representing Georgia on the international stage. He said the nomination could inspire young footballers from smaller footballing nations by showing that players from countries outside the traditional football powers can compete at the highest level.
His comments came as attention increasingly turns to the October ceremony, where the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or will be awarded.
The shortlist includes several of the most prominent players in world football, including defending winner Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Achraf Hakimi and Luis Díaz, among others.
Kvaratskhelia’s PSG teammate Dembélé has also publicly praised the Georgian forward while discussing this year’s award. In a recent joint interview, the two players highlighted each other’s qualities and spoke positively about their partnership at PSG.
The relationship between the two forwards has been an important feature of PSG’s attack, with their combination contributing to the club’s success during the previous campaign.
Kvaratskhelia has nevertheless maintained that being included among the nominees is itself an achievement. Rather than focusing solely on the outcome of the award, he has emphasised his appreciation of being considered alongside players he regards as exceptional.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, when the winner of the men’s award and recipients of other individual and team honours will be announced.
For Kvaratskhelia, the nomination represents another significant milestone in a career that has taken him from Georgia to the highest level of European club football, while giving him an opportunity to represent his country among the global elite of the sport.
