PSG Back Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia in 2026 Ballon d’Or Race

Paris Saint-Germain are presenting a united front ahead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé both supported by the club rather than placed in direct competition.

PSG back both leading candidates

The Paris side have chosen not to publicly favour one forward over the other as the individual award approaches. Instead, Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé have appeared together in media interviews and have consistently praised each other’s contributions.

Both attackers are viewed as strong contenders for the prize after influential seasons, particularly on the Champions League stage. PSG’s approach is designed to avoid an internal contest between two players central to the club’s attacking success.

• Dembélé is the current Ballon d’Or holder.
• Kvaratskhelia is seeking his first Ballon d’Or.
• The pair have spoken positively about each other during joint media appearances.
• PSG will have a winner regardless if either forward receives the award.

Dembélé’s endorsement of Kvaratskhelia

Dembélé has given a particularly strong public backing to his team-mate, arguing that Kvaratskhelia has produced the level required to claim football’s leading individual honour.

“He is the Ballon d’Or winner,” Dembélé said. “Truthfully, he deserves it. He has enjoyed an outstanding season. He has been brilliant to watch, an amazing player, and he showed that in Champions League games.”

The France international knows the demands of the award after winning it last year, but his comments suggested he would welcome Kvaratskhelia succeeding him as recipient.

A light-hearted solution to the contest

Although only one player can officially win, Dembélé joked that PSG’s two candidates could avoid any disappointment by sharing the trophy.

“For the Ballon d’Or, we’ll cut it in two,” he said.

The remark reflected the spirit PSG are seeking to maintain before the announcement: two high-profile contenders promoting one another rather than turning the vote into a club rivalry.

London ceremony awaits

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London. Dembélé could retain the prize he currently holds, while Kvaratskhelia could become a first-time winner.

Either outcome would give PSG a prominent reason to celebrate, with the club set to have one of its key forwards recognised on one of football’s biggest individual stages.