Khvicha Kvaratskhelia enters the 2026 Ballon d'Or race with a remarkably strong case after producing a sensational 2025/26 campaign for Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian winger was instrumental in PSG's continued dominance in Europe, producing match-winning performances throughout their Champions League campaign. With his extraordinary club season, there is a serious argument that Kvaratskhelia was the best player in the world from a club-football perspective.
A Brilliant 2025/26 Season for PSG
Kvaratskhelia's first full season at PSG developed into something extraordinary. Across the 2025/26 campaign, he made 46 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists according to season statistics. In Ligue 1 alone, he registered eight goals and two assists in 28 appearances.
However, it was the Champions League where Kvaratskhelia truly elevated his Ballon d'Or credentials. He scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 16 appearances, playing a pivotal role in PSG's successful defence of the European crown. UEFA subsequently named him the 2025/26 Champions League Player of the Season.
His defining moment arguably came against Bayern Munich in the semi-final. Kvaratskhelia scored twice in a spectacular 5-4 first-leg victory before contributing an assist in the second leg as PSG progressed to another final. He also earned the penalty that allowed Ousmane Dembélé to equalise against Arsenal in the final, with PSG eventually winning on penalties.
These were not simply impressive statistics. Kvaratskhelia repeatedly delivered when the stakes were highest.
Arguably the Best Player in the World
If the Ballon d'Or were judged purely on club football during the 2025/26 season, Kvaratskhelia would have an extremely compelling argument to win it.
He combined elite production with individual brilliance, consistently creating chances, beating defenders and influencing decisive Champions League matches. Most importantly, he was not merely a passenger in an exceptional PSG team. He became one of its most important attacking figures.
Winning the Champions League while being named the competition's Player of the Season is an enormous achievement. Add his domestic success and 18-goal, 10-assist overall campaign, and there is a genuine argument that Kvaratskhelia was the best player in the world by a mile from a club-football perspective.
Based purely on what he accomplished for PSG, he absolutely deserves to be considered a serious Ballon d'Or favourite.
Why Kvaratskhelia Could Still Miss Out
Unfortunately for Kvaratskhelia, the Ballon d'Or is not decided solely by club football.
Georgia failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the national team losing five of their six qualifying matches. That means Kvaratskhelia had no opportunity to showcase himself on football's biggest international stage.
This could prove decisive.
World Cup performances have historically carried enormous weight in Ballon d'Or discussions, particularly when the tournament takes place during the award cycle. Players who shine on the world's biggest stage often receive a significant boost in the voting, while those who miss out can find themselves disadvantaged regardless of how brilliant their club season was.
Kvaratskhelia therefore faces the unfortunate situation of producing arguably the finest club season of his career while being unable to add a World Cup chapter to it.
Verdict: A Brilliant Candidate, But Unfortunate Timing
Kvaratskhelia's 2025/26 PSG campaign is more than good enough to warrant a Ballon d'Or-winning argument. He delivered 18 goals and 10 assists, excelled in Ligue 1, dominated the Champions League knockout stages and was officially named the competition's Player of the Season.
However, Georgia's absence from the World Cup means Kvaratskhelia has zero contribution at football's biggest tournament. Considering the importance traditionally given to World Cup performances in Ballon d'Or rankings, that international absence could sadly prevent him from claiming football's biggest individual prize—even after arguably being the world's best player at club level.