Cannavaro says Kvaratskhelia will win the Ballon d’Or 2026
Fabio Cannavaro believes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG’s Georgian star, is the unquestionable favourite for the Ballon d’Or 2026, based on his performances in the Champions League.
Key takeaways
- Fabio Cannavaro declares that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Paris Saint-Germain forward, should win the Ballon d’Or 2026.
- Cannavaro bases his view on Kvaratskhelia’s influence in the last Champions League, where he was named best player.
- Kvaratskhelia scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 appearances for PSG last season.
- The Ballon d’Or 2026 will be awarded on 26 October 2026.
- Cannavaro notes that Kvaratskhelia’s lower media exposure could weigh against other favourites such as Dembélé, Kane, Lamine Yamal, Mbappé or Olise.
Fabio Cannavaro, Ballon d’Or 2006 and former international defender, has voiced unequivocally his opinion on the Ballon d’Or 2026 winner: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Paris Saint-Germain forward. The coach justified his choice by pointing to Kvaratskhelia’s sporting influence in the last edition of the Champions League and to the “extraordinary things” the player has achieved.
A choice based on the impact in the Champions League
Cannavaro recalled that, in his view, Kvaratskhelia was the most influential footballer in the last Champions League. The discourse underscores the Georgian’s collective and individual impact in the European competition, a decisive factor for the Ballon d’Or vote according to the former Ballon d’Or winner himself. Kvaratskhelia also received the award for the best player in that same edition of the Champions League.
Last season’s figures cited
Last season with Paris Saint-Germain, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Cannavaro presents these statistics as tangible elements supporting the player’s bid for the most prestigious individual trophy.
The question of media exposure
However, Cannavaro acknowledges that one potential obstacle to Kvaratskhelia’s victory lies in his media exposure. Other candidates mentioned as favourites enjoy greater visibility, which could play a role when the final vote is tallied. Despite this, the former defender believes the footballing quality displayed by Kvaratskhelia remains decisive.
A trophy timetable close at hand
The Ballon d’Or 2026 will be awarded on 26 October 2026. In this timeframe, Cannavaro’s stance comes just days before the trophy ceremony, highlighting the ongoing debate about favourites and the criteria for selection.
Facts cited - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Paris Saint-Germain forward, was named best player of the last Champions League. - Kvaratskhelia scored 19 goals and registered 11 assists in 48 appearances with PSG last season. - The Ballon d’Or 2026 will be awarded on 26 October 2026. - Among those named as potential favourites are Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Nicolas Olise.
Cannavaro’s statements rest on a hierarchy that prioritises Champions League influence and performances observed in the most recent edition of the competition. The former Ballon d’Or winner emphasizes the perceived sporting superiority of Kvaratskhelia despite what he views as lower media visibility for the Georgian player.
Your questions, our answers
Q: Who said that Kvaratskhelia deserved the Ballon d’Or 2026 ?
A: Fabio Cannavaro, Ballon d’Or 2006, stated that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia deserved to win the Ballon d’Or 2026.
Q: What is Cannavaro’s main argument for his choice?
A: Cannavaro mainly bases his argument on Kvaratskhelia’s influence during the last Champions League, where he was named best player.
Q: What are Kvaratskhelia’s stats last season with PSG?
A: Kvaratskhelia scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain last season.