Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Best Player in the World

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shines in PSG’s UEFA Super Cup win, showcasing brilliance and skill, but faces challenges for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

In an electrifying display of talent, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s recent 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup, held Wednesday night in Austria. The Georgia international showcased his exceptional skills by breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute with a stunning long-range shot that left Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot with no chance.

Desire Doue set up Kvaratskhelia with a well-timed pass, allowing him to weave through Villa’s defense before firing a fierce right-footed strike. This moment was a testament to Kvaratskhelia’s reputation as a game-changer, consistently demonstrating a blend of technical skill and fearless play. Throughout the match, Villa struggled to contain Kvaratskhelia, who finished with three successful take-ons and a total of nine touches within the penalty area.

Despite his brilliance, the discussion surrounding the upcoming 2026 Ballon d’Or continues. While many believe Kvaratskhelia deserves recognition, the reality remains that his chances may be hampered by his team’s performance on the domestic front. Since joining PSG from Napoli for €70 million, he has been a key part of Luis Enrique’s attacking strategy, contributing significantly to the club’s success.

Prior to his transfer, Kvaratskhelia was already a star at Napoli, where he earned accolades for his contributions that helped the team secure a Serie A title. His ability to score and assist at crucial moments caught the attention of fans and experts alike. Coined ‘Kvaradona’ by loyal Napoli supporters, he carried this moniker as he transitioned to PSG, further establishing himself as an essential player in Ligue 1.

In the Champions League, Kvaratskhelia’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable. He was instrumental during PSG’s run to the title last season, delivering 17 goal involvements across 16 matches. His crowning achievement came in the final against Arsenal, where his setup for the equalizing penalty underscored his vision and playmaking ability. Kvaratskhelia’s standout moment, however, was his remarkable performance in a semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, where he scored twice in a thrilling 5-4 win that remains one of the competition’s most memorable matches.

His extraordinary play did not go unnoticed, earning him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award for 2025-26, a sign of his increasing stature in world football. Even with his achievements, experts caution that Kvaratskhelia may not be in the running for the Ballon d’Or this year due to the lack of highlights in Ligue 1, where he only managed a modest total of 12 goals and assists.

Other players, like Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland, have undoubtedly had prolific seasons, making it challenging for Kvaratskhelia to claim a top spot. Nevertheless, those who appreciate the artistry of the game know that Kvaratskhelia represents a unique talent, capable of delivering moments of magic when it matters most. His supporters remain hopeful that his contributions will be fully realized at the next awards ceremony, potentially when PSG looks to secure even more silverware.