Ballon d'Or 2026: Georgia holds its breath hoping for historic Kvaratskhelia triumph

Georgia holds its breath as Kvaratskhelia competes for the 2026 Ballon d'Or in London, hoping to become the first Georgian to win the award.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is among the favourites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded on Monday 26 October in London. The PSG winger has become a national hero in Georgia, representing the country's rise in world football despite its small population of under 4 million.

At 25, Kvaratskhelia is already considered Georgia's greatest footballer. He overcame a difficult early career—travelling hours from his rural village to reach the nearest city, playing for Dinamo Tbilissi and Rustavi before moving to Russia, then returning to Dinamo Batumi when war broke out. Local journalists and Georgia's national team staff describe him as embodying Georgian values: hardworking, proud and generous.

Kvaratskhelia has won two Serie A titles, two Ligue 1 titles and two Champions League crowns, scoring ten goals in last season's Champions League and winning the competition's best player award. He faces stiff competition from Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. Georgia's absence from the World Cup may count against him, but locals believe he deserves the award and would be an enormous symbol for the nation.