Ballon d'Or 2026: Dembélé votes for Kvaratskhelia, Mbappé stands alone in his own corner

Ousmane Dembélé has publicly named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony set for 26 October in London. The defending champion spoke two days before the Classique between OM and PSG, taking a position at odds with his France teammate Kylian Mbappé.

“I would be very happy, he deserves it too. The season he has had was exceptional. For me he is the best player in the world. He should be Ballon d’Or,” Dembélé said of the Georgian. His endorsement is all the more striking given that Dembélé himself is among the 30 nominees for the trophy.

The stance contrasts sharply with Mbappé’s position, who has been repeating for weeks that he deserves to win the trophy this year. The two French forwards embody opposing philosophies: while Mbappé openly pursues individual ambitions, Dembélé champions a collective approach. “The coach reminds us every day that we must put the team first. Personally, I don’t like to stand out. What matters most are the moments of joy we share with our teammates on the pitch,” he added.

Kvaratskhelia, named best player of the last UEFA Champions League edition — which PSG won for the second consecutive time — also took a position during this joint interview. But unlike Dembélé, who gave him his vote, the Georgian chose to vote for the Frenchman. “I would vote for Ousmane. For his style of play and the way he helps the team. His ability to lead the team is very important to us. He is incredible,” he said.

PSG has ten players among the 30 nominees, opening the possibility for the Paris club to retain the trophy in-house for the second consecutive year. It remains to be seen whether voters will follow Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, or neither.