Kvaratskhelia to miss Ballon d’Or ceremony as PSG’s other nominees make plans

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will not travel to London for Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony after sustaining a serious knee injury, according to a report in L’Equipe.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s absence is expected to leave the club without one of its leading contenders for the award. Kvaratskhelia is due to undergo surgery in Doha, which has ruled out a trip to England.

The Georgia international’s attendance had been uncertain since he was injured during Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League last Tuesday. His absence was confirmed by L’Equipe ahead of the 70th Ballon d’Or awards.

Paris Saint-Germain have the largest representation of any club among the 30 players nominated for the prize after winning the Champions League last season for a second successive time.

Kvaratskhelia is among the leading names on the shortlist after an outstanding campaign with the French club. His season was capped by being named the Champions League’s best player.

His team-mate Ousmane Dembele, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to travel to London on Monday evening with members of his family.

Marquinhos, meanwhile, has chosen to remain in Paris. The defender suffered a thigh injury in the match against Barcelona and is expected to attend Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 game against Lyon at Parc des Princes.

The fixture, scheduled for 26 October 2026, is the final match of the French league’s eighth round.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has not yet confirmed whether he will attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Kvaratskhelia’s absence is the latest development affecting Paris Saint-Germain’s presence at an event where the club was expected to be strongly represented following its European success last season.