Dembele backs Kvaratskhelia to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Ousmane Dembele believes Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia should be named the world’s best player by winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The France forward collected the award for 2025, presented by France Football, but said he would rather focus on success with his team-mates than put himself forward for the prize again.

“Ballon d’Or again? Personally, I do not like the idea of nominating myself for the award because it is difficult,” Dembele told French channel Ligue 1.

“What matters most to me are the moments I spend with my team-mates on the pitch and the moments when we win trophies.”

Dembele then gave his backing to Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain’s list of 30 nominees for the 2026 award.

“For me, Kvaratskhelia is the best player in the world,” he said. “I would be very happy if he won the Ballon d’Or because he thoroughly deserves it. He had an exceptional season and deserves to win the award.”

Dembele helped Paris Saint-Germain claim four trophies, including the league title, the French Cup, the French Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

He also repeated his achievement with the club in 2026 by winning Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, and is aiming to lift the trophies again.

The race for the world player of the year award is expected to be fiercely contested after France Football announced its 30-player shortlist.

The nominees include Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise and Fabian Ruiz.