Kvaradona's Ballon d'Or Bid Gains Momentum

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025 completely reshaped the team, particularly in the Champions League. The former Napoli player, acquired for 70 million euros, initially displaced Bradley Barcola – last season's top assist provider in major leagues – from the starting lineup. He then played a pivotal role in securing the club's first-ever European trophy.

The Georgian, arguably the best fit player not participating in the World Cup, scored a goal and provided an assist in the playoff second leg against Brest (7-0). He then found the net in the first quarter-final against Aston Villa (3-1), added an assist in the first semi-final against Arsenal (0-1), and capped it all off with a goal in the final against Inter (5-0).

His influence continued to grow this season. He scored in the playoff second leg against Monaco (2-2), bagged two goals and an assist in the first leg of the Round of 16 against Chelsea (5-2), scored again at Stamford Bridge (3-0), found the net in the first quarter-final against Liverpool (2-0), and provided another assist at Anfield (2-0). Unsurprisingly, he earned three consecutive 'Man of the Match' awards along the way.

With his two goals against Bayern (5-4) in the first semi-final, he completed a unique cycle. 'Kvaradona' can boast of being the only player to have scored in every single round since the Champions League adopted its current format: group stage (3), playoffs (2), Round of 16 (3), quarter-finals (2), semi-final (2), and final (1).

In fact, Kvaratskhelia has contributed to the most goals (20) in the Champions League since his arrival at Parc des Princes – he has been involved in 37.2% of PSG's European goals. He has 13 goals and 7 assists. There's another, even more compelling fact: this season, he has been involved in more goals in the Champions League (15 in 14 matches) than in Ligue 1 (11 in 25 matches).

His aura shines brightest when the Champions League anthem plays, though he himself denies it. "They say I pick and choose my matches? I don't think so. I try to play the same way in every game, but sometimes it's difficult."

His latest masterclass, this time against Bayern, drew admiration from the entire football world, particularly from Clarence Seedorf. The former Real Madrid, Inter, and AC Milan player championed his Ballon d'Or candidacy on "Prime Video": "Kvaratskhelia is the best player in the world and will continue to develop. He carries the team on his back and knows what to do at every moment. I highly value his intelligence. He is a key player in building play and makes the difference in attack. He is incredible."

"For me, Kvara has been a top-class player all year," reiterated PSG coach Luis Enrique, emphasizing the exceptional performance of the Georgian winger, who has made the Champions League his personal stage.

Alberto Rubio, "Marca"