Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Sunday, 31 May 2026, 10:18 / Updated on Sunday, 31 May 2026 10:18
The Italian football legend believes that the Georgian has had an outstanding season and stood out above all other players with his constant developments and decisive impact for PSG.
The Georgian star played 83 minutes in this match, being replaced by Bradley Barcola (23 years old). Even though he did not score or provide any decisive assist, Kvaratskhelia got the penalty converted by Ousmane Dembele in the 62nd minute.
The Georgian was fouled by Cristhian Mosquera, and the “central” of the game, Daniel Siebert, without hesitation awarded a shot from 11 meters.
Alessandro Del Piero: “Kvaratskhelia deserves the Ballon d'Or! Now if it wasn't for the World Cup…”
Ousmane Dembele converted without any problems, and the game went into overtime and went to penalty kicks, where the French team prevailed, score 4-3.
Alessandro Del Piero saw the match “live” and was convinced: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but he has a caveat.
Georgia will not participate in the World Championship, which is his only question mark regarding the designation of the trophy. Otherwise, Del Piero is convinced that the footballer deserves to win the trophy.
“If it wasn't for the World Cup, Kvaratskhelia would have won the Ballon d'Or for sure. In this year's edition of the Champions League, no one has been as decisive as him in terms of goals, assists and presence on the pitch.
Arsenal? He's had a tremendous season, although tonight, in my opinion, he pulled back too much after taking over.
But this is the only minus point in a remarkable season; let's not forget that the Premier League is an extremely tough championship that demands a lot from you,” said Del Piero, according to calciomercato.com.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has played 48 games this season for PSG, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (left) and Riccardo Calafiori (right) / Photo: Imago Images
90 million eurosit's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's share, according to Transfermarkt
The footballer was transferred by PSG from Napoli in January 2025, for 80 million euros.
The “Ballon d'Or”, the most prestigious prize in the world of football, created by France Football in 1956, will be awarded this year on October 26, in London.
PHOTO GALLERY. Picture of the day in Budapest, after PSG won the Champions League
