Khvicha Kvaratskhelia backs Ousmane Dembele for Ballon d’Or

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has returned Ousmane Dembele’s support by saying he would vote for his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate to win the Ballon d’Or.

With debate continuing over who should be recognised as the world’s best player when the award is presented in October, Paris Saint-Germain’s squad have focused on backing one another rather than becoming involved in individual rivalries.

Dembele was asked about the award during an interview broadcast by Ligue 1+ on Friday. While Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe have both spoken openly about their claims to the prestigious prize, the France forward selected Kvaratskhelia as the player he believed most deserved to win it.

Kvaratskhelia was alongside Dembele when the praise was delivered and was subsequently asked who he would choose in this year’s vote.

The Georgia forward responded by backing Dembele, saying: “I would vote for Ous [Ousmane]. His ability to lead the team and his decisiveness are extremely important for us, and we are very happy to have him with us. He is unstoppable when he runs with the ball.”

Kvaratskhelia also identified a key moment from Dembele’s previous season, highlighting the penalty he scored against Arsenal.

“The penalty he scored against Arsenal was a defining moment,” Kvaratskhelia said. “He showed incredible, unbelievable confidence at that moment.”

The exchange reflected the strong relationship and mutual respect between the two Paris Saint-Germain forwards.

Dembele’s comments were made as speculation over the Ballon d’Or intensified, with the award due to be decided in October. Rather than putting himself forward, he gave Kvaratskhelia his backing, while Kvaratskhelia responded by making Dembele his own choice.

Ligue 1+ shared Kvaratskhelia’s response on 18 September 2026, with the Georgian making clear that his vote would go to “Ousmane”.