PSG’s Dembélé Backs Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Paris Saint-Germain will be strongly represented when the 2026 Ballon d’Or is awarded in London, with the reigning European champions placing a record 10 players on the 30-man shortlist.
Ousmane Dembele, winner of last year’s prize, is again among the leading candidates after PSG retained the Champions League. Yet the France forward has publicly backed team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the individual honour, despite being in contention to become a consecutive winner himself.
PSG stars back each other for the award
- Dembele won the Ballon d’Or in 2025, a landmark moment for PSG, and the club have since added a second straight Champions League title.
- Kvaratskhelia’s European campaign has made him a prominent candidate in this year’s voting, with PSG supplying one-third of the nominees.
- Dembele said he wants the prize to remain in Paris and identified Kvaratskhelia as his preferred winner. “I hope a Parisian will win it, especially Kvara, who had a very great season,” he said. “For me, he is the best player in the world. His season last year was incredible. We will leave it to the votes.”
- Kvaratskhelia returned the endorsement, saying he would select Dembele because of the Frenchman’s importance within the side. “I would vote for Ous,” he said. “His ability to lead the team is very important. We are happy to have him with us.”
Ceremony set for October
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on Monday, October 26, 2026. PSG will be hoping their unprecedented shortlist presence produces another winner after Dembele’s success a year ago.
Before then, the French champions must continue their season on the field as they pursue a third consecutive Champions League crown.
