The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place on October 26 in London, with several top contenders vying for the prestigious award. Among them are Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Kylian Mbappé. In a recent interview with the BBC, Dembélé expressed his admiration for Kvaratskhelia, stating that the Georgian player deserves the award due to his outstanding performance last season.
Dembélé did not hesitate when asked to name his favorite for the Ballon d'Or, openly endorsing Kvaratskhelia. He praised the player's impressive season, saying, "He had an exceptional season." Dembélé also used a phrase reminiscent of Mbappé's previous statements about the award, saying "Comme on dit, il a brûlé la rétine lui aussi" or "As we say, he also burned the retina." This phrase is similar to what Mbappé said in 2023, when he explained that "brûler la rétine" was one of the key elements that could make a player stand out in the competition for the trophy.
Kvaratskhelia has already received recognition from UEFA for his outstanding performance in the 2025-2026 Champions League season. He was named the UEFA Player of the Season, thanks to his impressive stats, including 10 goals and 6 assists in 16 appearances. His contributions helped PSG secure their second consecutive European title. Kvaratskhelia's performance also earned him a spot in UEFA's Team of the Season, alongside Dembélé.
Kvaratskhelia's impressive performance in the Champions League included several decisive moments. In the semi-final against Bayern Munich, he scored two crucial goals, helping PSG win 5-4. A few days later, in the final against Arsenal, Kvaratskhelia played a key role, winning a penalty that Dembélé converted, allowing PSG to equalize. These moments were highlighted by UEFA as part of his exceptional season.
Dembélé's endorsement of Kvaratskhelia comes as the Georgian player is already basking in the glory of his UEFA recognition. With his impressive stats and decisive performances, Kvaratskhelia is well-placed to make a strong case for the Ballon d'Or. However, it remains to be seen whether his achievements will be enough to sway the voters, with the winner set to be announced on October 26 in London.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony promises to be an exciting event, with several top players in contention. Dembélé's support for Kvaratskhelia adds to the Georgian player's growing reputation as a top contender. As the voting process comes to a close, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to the voters, who will consider various factors, including the players' performances over the past year. With Kvaratskhelia's impressive season and Dembélé's endorsement, the Georgian player has a strong case for the award. The ceremony on October 26 will reveal who will take home the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy.
Key points
- Ousmane Dembélé names Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his top pick for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
- Kvaratskhelia has already received recognition from UEFA, including the Player of the Season award.
- The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on October 26 in London.
