“To be a Ballon d'Or contender, it's already a pleasure to be among these players in the race,” Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said, and it fits the tone of his latest interview neatly. The Paris Saint Germain winger is on a 30-player shortlist for the award, with the trophy due to be handed out on 26 October. He also said he feels he “did something special in the last year” and is happy to see where it leads.
Sagnol's view of Kvaratskhelia
Willy Sagnol's praise is the more revealing part of the story. He said Kvaratskhelia “thinks always about the team and not about himself”, and added that he is proud to coach a player who is not only a fantastic footballer but also a fantastic personality.
That description is backed by the way Kvaratskhelia talked about the nomination. He said he is happy to represent Georgia, a small country, and that younger kids can see from his example that they can reach these levels too.
His domestic numbers are not flashy, but they do show a player already involved in PSG's attack. Kvaratskhelia has made 5 Ligue 1 appearances, scored 0 goals and provided 1 assist, with a 6.89 rating across those matches.
The George Best comparison
The George Best comparison adds another layer, even if Kvaratskhelia himself keeps it modest. He said, “What about George Best? I know him, of course,” and later called the comparison “a pleasure” and said he is proud of it.
Michael O'Neill took the same idea further, saying Best “puts our country on the map” and linking that kind of influence to Georgia now having Kvaratskhelia.
That is a heavy standard to put on any player, but Kvaratskhelia has not leaned into it. He has treated the Ballon d'Or shortlist as recognition rather than arrival, and Sagnol's team-first praise suggests that is exactly how he is seen inside the camp.
The award will be handed out on 26 October, and Kvaratskhelia will go into that night with a strong individual platform, a public compliment from Sagnol and a very clear place in Georgia's football story.
FAQ
Why does Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's Ballon d'Or shortlist place matter now?
Kvaratskhelia is on a 30-player Ballon d'Or shortlist and says it already feels like a pleasure to be among those players. He also said he feels he did something special in the last year, while Willy Sagnol praised the way he thinks about the team and not about himself.
What did Willy Sagnol say about Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?
Willy Sagnol said Kvaratskhelia “thinks always about the team and not about himself.” He added that he is proud to coach a player who is not just a fantastic footballer but also a fantastic personality.
How is the George Best comparison being viewed by Kvaratskhelia?
Kvaratskhelia said the George Best comparison is “a pleasure” and that he is proud of it. He also said he knows Best, while Michael O'Neill linked that kind of recognition to how one star can put a country on the map.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →
