Kvaratskhelia picks Dembélé for Ballon d'Or

Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, star of Paris Saint-Germain, has revealed his choice of French teammate Ousmane Dembélé to win the Ballon d'Or in 2026, amid fierce competition for the award ahead of the announcement of the winner in October.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia responded hours after Ousmane Dembélé praised him, stating that the French star believes his Georgian teammate deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. Kvaratskhelia reciprocated by selecting Dembélé in his vote.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said: "I will vote for Ousmane, his ability to lead the team is very important. We are happy to have him with us, and his ability to accelerate with the ball makes him an impossible player to stop."

The Georgian star recalled one of Ousmane Dembélé's standout moments from last season, saying: "I remember the penalty he scored against Arsenal, he showed amazing confidence."

The statements from the duo reflect the positive atmosphere within Paris Saint-Germain, as Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia exchanged praise just days before the announcement of the Ballon d'Or winner.