Ballon d'Or shortlist

PSG has 10 players on the 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist, including Dembele and Kvaratskhelia.

Dembele and Kvaratskhelia

The pair joked about splitting the Ballon d'Or prize, with Dembele saying Kvaratskhelia deserves it for his exceptional season.

“We can cut it in two”

Kvaratskhelia's season

Kvaratskhelia scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in the Champions League, becoming the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive knockout appearances.

Kvaratskhelia's background

Kvaratskhelia moved from Georgia to Napoli after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where he was a hero during Napoli's 2022-23 title campaign.

Dembele's impact

Dembele scored 31 goals and assists for PSG, with a 1.27 goal contribution per 90 minutes, the best in Europe's top five leagues.

Kvaratskhelia's motivation

Kvaratskhelia wants to make his family and country proud after winning the Ballon d'Or, which he says is impossible for a small country like Georgia.

PSG's Ballon d'Or race

PSG's Dembele and Kvaratskhelia are the top contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with Kvaratskhelia named Champions League best player last season.

Other contenders

Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Rodri are also in the running for the Ballon d'Or, with Kane leading the shortlist with 61 goals in 51 games.

Ballon d'Or history

The Ballon d'Or celebrates its 70th anniversary, with the 2026 winner to be announced in London on 26 October.

Kvaratskhelia's idol

Kvaratskhelia cites Cristiano Ronaldo as his biggest inspiration, with his work-rate and winning mentality similar to the Portuguese star.