Dembélé Backs PSG Teammate Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or

In Paris, where PSG’s European triumph still frames the season, Ousmane Dembélé has put the Ballon d’Or case for his teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The French forward, last season’s winner, believes the Georgian was the outstanding player of the campaign.

The 2026 race has been tightened by Spain’s World Cup victory and by the usual influence of the Champions League. Kvaratskhelia was central as PSG retained the European title, beating Arsenal on penalties in the final, but he did not feature at the World Cup.

Quick facts

• Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia are among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees.
• PSG won a second straight Champions League after a penalty shootout against Arsenal.
• Spain won the World Cup, while France lost to Spain in the semi-finals.
• The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on 26 October.

Speaking beside Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé said he would be delighted if the PSG winger took the prize. “He deserves it too. His season was exceptional. For me, he is the best player in the world, which is why he should win the Ballon d’Or,” he said.

Kvaratskhelia returned the backing for Dembélé, whose France side reached the World Cup semi-finals before being stopped by Spain. He pointed to the forward’s influence beyond individual moments.

“Because of his way of playing and the way he helps the team, I would choose him,” Kvaratskhelia said. “His ability to lead the side matters enormously to us. He is incredible and we are very happy to have him.”

The 30 nominees

The shortlist was published earlier this month, with Paris Saint-Germain strongly represented after another continental title. The decision will be revealed at the London ceremony on 26 October.