Kvaratskhelia backs Dembélé to repeat as Ballon d'Or winner in 2026
PSG forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has tipped teammate Ousmane Dembélé to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying he would vote for the French winger again. Both players are among the 30-man nominees for the award. Kvaratskhelia praised Dembélé’s leadership, stating "He's incredible for how he leads the team." Dembélé won the Ballon d’Or last year, edging out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and aims to retain the prize after helping PSG secure the LaLiga and Champions League titles.
For Nigerian football fans following European clubs, this endorsement highlights the qualities voters may value—leadership and team success over individual flair. It also spotlights PSG’s star power, with two African‑connected players (Kvaratskhelia from Georgia, Dembélé of French‑African heritage) contending for football’s top individual honour. The statement could influence public perception ahead of the December award ceremony.
Will you prioritize a player’s leadership and trophy haul when deciding who deserves the Ballon d’Or, or do you believe individual brilliance should weigh more heavily?