Kvaratskhelia proud of George Best comparison after Ballon d'Or nomination

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is enjoying a defining moment in his career. The Paris Saint-Germain winger, fresh from winning back-to-back Champions League titles, admits that simply being part of the 30-player Ballon d'Or shortlist already feels like a major achievement. He makes the point while on international duty with Georgia ahead of their Nations League clash against Northern Ireland.

• Kvaratskhelia is among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded on 26 October.
• The Georgian was named player of the tournament in the 2025-26 Champions League.
• He says he is proud to be compared with George Best, the 1968 Ballon d'Or winner.
• Georgia face Northern Ireland on Friday in the Nations League.
• Willy Sagnol, his national team coach, highlights his focus on the collective.

Back-to-back Champions League success with PSG

The 25-year-old arrives in the international break after an outstanding European campaign. Paris Saint-Germain retained the Champions League title and Kvaratskhelia was recognised as the most influential player in the competition, strengthening his case for the award given to the world's best footballer.

To be a Ballon d'Or contender, it's already a pleasure to be among these players in the race. I feel already that I did something special in the last year, I'm really happy and let's see what's gonna happen.

Why his Ballon d'Or nomination matters for Georgia

Kvaratskhelia makes no secret of what his nomination means for a country outside football's traditional superpowers. The PSG star stresses that young Georgian kids should know they do not need to be born in a major football nation to reach the very top.

The national team has progressed significantly in recent seasons and having a world-class player has changed how Georgia are viewed in every competition. His presence raises expectations as the side looks to establish itself in the Nations League.

George Best and the link between two small nations

The comparison with George Best comes naturally. Northern Ireland, Georgia's next opponent, remains the smallest country by population to produce a Ballon d'Or winner. Best claimed the prize in 1968 after lifting the European Cup with Manchester United.

Kvaratskhelia is comfortable with the parallel. He accepts that for years people have told him his playing style reminded them of the legendary Northern Irish winger. For the Georgian, being mentioned alongside such an icon is both a pleasure and a source of pride.

What about George Best? I know him, of course. 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 the comparison is a pleasure and I'm proud.

Michael O'Neill on what a global superstar means

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill was not yet born when Best won the Ballon d'Or, but he fully understands what an iconic figure represents for a small nation. O'Neill says players like that put an entire country on the football map.

He is full of praise for Kvaratskhelia, describing him as world-class and probably the standout performer in last season's Champions League. O'Neill knows his team must pay special attention to a player capable of winning a match in a single moment.

Sagnol values the team over individual awards

Willy Sagnol, who played alongside Zinedine Zidane for France, understands the pressure that surrounds Ballon d'Or candidates. The Georgia coach appreciates that Kvaratskhelia has avoided the modern habit of players repeatedly claiming to be the best.

Sagnol believes past eras were different, with footballers waiting until the end of the season to learn who had won the award. He says Kvaratskhelia constantly thinks about the team rather than himself and expects him to show that again on the pitch.

Northern Ireland vs Georgia, a telling Nations League test

Friday's meeting brings together two teams with different realities but a shared theme: the influence of a generational talent. Northern Ireland will try to stop Georgia's biggest star, while Sagnol's side will rely on their main reference point to make the difference once more.