Dembélé names Kvaratskhelia as his Ballon d'Or pick: "He's the best in the world"

The Ballon d'Or will be handed out in just over a month in London and, as every year, the debate over the winner is heating up. Ousmane Dembélé, who lifted the trophy in 2025, has no doubts about his pick for this edition: Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. The French winger did not hesitate to describe his teammate as the best footballer on the planet and made it clear he wants the award to go to the Georgian.

• Dembélé, winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or, backs teammate Kvaratskhelia for the award.
• The Frenchman says the Georgian is the best player in the world and deserves the prize.
• Kvaratskhelia returned the praise and highlighted Dembélé's leadership in the PSG dressing room.
• Names like Mbappé, Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri also feature in the predictions.

Dembélé's Ballon d'Or pick for 2026

With just over a month to go before the ceremony, the leading candidates dominate all forecasts. Mbappé, Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri are among the names most often mentioned to succeed Dembélé in the list of winners. However, the French winger believes one player is flying under the radar but has more than enough merit to cause an upset: Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

For Dembélé, the Georgian attacker's season has been worthy of the prize. The Frenchman made that clear in an interview with Ligue 1 + when asked about his favorite. He did not hesitate: if it were up to him, the Ballon d'Or would have a Georgian owner.

He's the best player in the world. I would be absolutely delighted if he won it, because he deserves it. The season he has had has been exceptional. For me, he's the best player in the world and that's why he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

Kvaratskhelia returns the praise to Dembélé

The admiration between the two is mutual. In the same conversation with the French league's official channel, Kvaratskhelia was full of praise for the man who once played for Barcelona and is now one of PSG's biggest stars. The Georgian highlighted Dembélé's impact both on and off the pitch.

Kvaratskhelia explained that his way of playing, his ability to help the team and his leadership of the group are fundamental for the Parisian side. He also described his personality as incredible and said the dressing room is thrilled to share a team with him.

The way Ousmane plays, helps the team and leads the group is very important for us. His way of being is incredible. We are very happy to have him in our team.

Kvaratskhelia's season at PSG

Since arriving from Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has become an undisputed piece of Paris Saint-Germain's attack. His dribbling, his ability to step up in key moments and his connection with the other forwards have raised the team's offensive level. It is no coincidence that Dembélé, one of Europe's most talented players, considers him the best in the world.

The Georgian was one of the stars of the Napoli side that won Serie A in 2023, and since landing at PSG he has maintained steady progress. His rise to the elite has put him in conversations such as the Ballon d'Or, a stage few imagined for him just a few years ago.

Who is competing for the Ballon d'Or this year

The 2026 edition is wide open. The absence of a clear favorite has fueled debates on social media and in specialist outlets. Mbappé remains a constant threat after another great season at Real Madrid. Harry Kane, with his goalscoring instinct intact at Bayern, also features in every prediction.

Lamine Yamal continues to break precocity records at Barcelona and his performances have allowed him to enter the race for the award. Rodri, who already knows what it means to win a Ballon d'Or, remains in contention thanks to his consistency and his role in Manchester City's midfield. All of them are aiming to succeed Dembélé, who lifted the trophy in 2025.

What is at stake for these two PSG stars

Dembélé has already touched the sky with the Ballon d'Or and now sees recognition for his teammate as a matter of sporting justice. For Kvaratskhelia, winning it would be the definitive confirmation that he belongs among the best footballers on the planet and a leap in status both individually and collectively. PSG, meanwhile, would benefit from having two serious candidates in the same squad.

The London gala will bring an end to a year full of football and debate. What is clear is that the PSG dressing room, at least between its two great attackers, will have no doubts: whoever wins, one of them will celebrate it as his own.