Kvaratskhelia proud of George Best comparison

The PSG winger says being a Ballon d'Or contender already feels like 'something special'.

K. Kvaratskhelia

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What happened. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been named on the 30-player Ballon d'Or shortlist, with the award to be handed out on 26 October. The PSG winger, player of the season in the Champions League in 2025-26, says he is proud to represent Georgia and to be compared to George Best.

• He says being among the Ballon d'Or contenders is already a pleasure.
• Best, a 1968 winner, remains the only Ballon d'Or victor from Northern Ireland.
• Kvaratskhelia says kids from small countries can achieve these things too.

“I feel already that I did something special in the last year, I'm really happy and let's see what's gonna happen.”

— Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Georgia face Northern Ireland in the Nations League on Friday, with the Ballon d'Or winner revealed on 26 October.

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