Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has described his Ballon d'Or nomination as "something special," expressing pride in representing Georgia on the world stage while embracing comparisons to the late Northern Ireland legend George Best.
The Paris St-Germain winger is among 30 players shortlisted for the award, which will be presented on 26 October. Kvaratskhelia, who was named player of the season in the Champions League in 2025-26, said the nomination alone carries enormous meaning.
"To be a Ballon d'Or contender, it's already a pleasure to be among these players in the race. I feel already that I did something special in the last year, I'm really happy and let's see what's gonna happen."
The 25-year-old also reflected on what his rise means for his homeland. "I'm happy that I represent Georgia, a small country. Little kids, they know that even if they are from a small country, they can achieve these things," he said.
The Best comparison
Ahead of Georgia's Nations League fixture against Northern Ireland on Friday, the comparison between Kvaratskhelia and George Best — the 1968 Ballon d'Or winner and the greatest player ever produced by Northern Ireland — has drawn widespread attention. Kvaratskhelia embraced it warmly.
"What about George Best? I know him, of course. Some people a long time ago told me even when I played it seems like him. I'm not sure because he was one of the best in football history and it is a pleasure and I'm proud."
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill, who was not yet born when Best claimed the award following Manchester United's European Cup triumph, acknowledged the parallel between two small nations producing world-class footballers.
"George Best, an iconic figure in world football and obviously we're very privileged that he came from Northern Ireland. In many ways, he puts our country on the map. I think in Georgia, you have that situation now with Kvaratskhelia who I think is a world-class player."
O'Neill also warned of the threat Kvaratskhelia poses on the pitch. "For me he was probably the best player in the Champions League last season over the whole competition. We obviously have to give him special attention. He can win the game in a moment, create so much, and lift his team as well," he said.
Sagnol praises his humility
Georgia head coach Willy Sagnol — a former France defender and international team-mate of 1998 Ballon d'Or winner Zinedine Zidane — reserved particular praise for Kvaratskhelia's attitude amid the individual spotlight.
"Too many times in the last weeks, I see players saying 'I'm the best, I'm the best, I'm the best.' Khvicha never said that and that's why I'm very proud to be his head coach. He's not just a fantastic football player, but he's also a fantastic personality who thinks always about the team and not about himself."
Sagnol added that the Ballon d'Or discussion has at times overshadowed the collective spirit he believes should define the award, suggesting the game was better served when players simply waited to see who would win rather than campaigning publicly. For Kvaratskhelia, it seems, the football speaks for itself.
