The PSG player who deserves a Ballon d’Or for his Champions League performances
Since the knockout rounds began, “Kvaradona” has been decisive in every game except the first leg of the playoff against Monaco.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 2025 move to PSG has been, along with the arrival of Luis Enrique, one of the best signings in the club’s recent history. The Spanish coach has been the driving force behind back-to-back Champions League final appearances, and the Georgian has been the missing piece in a machine that has dominated Europe like few others.
PSG confirmed their place in the final after a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal, advancing 6-5 on aggregate. Once again, Kvaratskhelia played a key role in the tie.
Kvaradona on fire in the Champions League
Since the knockouts began, “Kvaradona” has delivered in every round except that first leg against Monaco. Against Bayern in the semifinals, he scored twice in the first leg and assisted Ousmane Dembélé in Munich. He now has 17 goal contributions in Europe. There has not been a more decisive forward in the Champions League this season.
Most of the praise and attention will go to Dembélé, to Luis Enrique, to the ever-present Pacho, but it is not unreasonable to argue that Kvaratskhelia deserves the Ballon d’Or. Missing the World Cup will be a major obstacle, of course, but if PSG lifts its second Champions League trophy on May 30, he should be in contention for the award handed out by France Football.
How much did Kvaratskhelia cost?
Kvaratskhelia cost €70 million, a modest fee considering the level he has reached since arriving in Paris. Luis Enrique pushed for months to bring him in, and time has proven him right. It is one of the best winter signings in soccer history and could deliver back-to-back Champions League titles to a PSG side that, before his arrival, had long been cursed in Europe.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.