# Kvaratskhelia proud of Best comparison

> Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates George Best legacy as Ballon d'Or contender
- Title: Kvaratskhelia proud of Best comparison · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates George Best legacy as Ballon d'Or contender Kvaratskhelia feels proud of representing Georgia and compares…
- Keywords: khvicha kvaratskhelia, georgia, george best, ballon dor, paris st germain, northern ireland, champions league, nations league, sports, Kvaratskhelia, proud, Best
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6x2zdgz8jqvo
- Published: 2026-09-24T16:31:19.902+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: khvicha kvaratskhelia, georgia, george best, ballon dor, paris st germain, northern ireland, champions league, nations league, sports
## Ballon d'Or contender
25-year-old Kvaratskhelia is on a 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award.

> To be a Ballon d'Or contender, it's already a pleasure to be among these players in the race.
## Georgian pride
Kvaratskhelia says he feels proud representing Georgia, a small country where kids know they can achieve great things.

> I'm happy that I represent Georgia, a small country. Little kids, they know that even if they are from a small country, they can achieve these things.
## George Best legacy
Northern Ireland remains the smallest country by population to produce a Ballon d'Or winner with George Best in 1968.

> George Best, an iconic figure in world football and obviously we're very privileged that he came from Northern Ireland.
## Kvaratskhelia's pride
Kvaratskhelia compares himself to George Best, saying he feels proud of the comparison despite being a modern player.

> Some people a long time ago told me even when I played it seems like him. I'm not sure because he was one of the best in football history and it [the comparison] is a pleasure and I'm proud.
## Coach praise
Former France defender Willy Sagnol praises Kvaratskhelia for his team focus over individual glory.

> Khvicha never said that and that's why I'm very proud to be his head coach. He's not just about a fantastic football player, but he's also a fantastic personality who thinks always about the team and not about himself.
## Key takeaway

Kvaratskhelia feels proud of representing Georgia and compares himself to George Best