Kvaratskhelia Remains Unfazed By Ballon D'Or Talk Ahead Of PSG's Champions League Final Against Arsenal

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has played down talk of the Ballon d'Or while preparing for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final against Arsenal at Puskas Arena on Saturday. The winger has been central to PSG's European run, yet insists personal awards matter less than the chance to compete for another Champions League title.

PSG face Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions aiming to become only the second club in the Champions League era to retain the trophy. Kvaratskhelia joins that game level with Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane on 16 goal involvements in the 2025-26 competition, the joint-highest total this season.

The Georgian international has been especially decisive in the knockout rounds. Kvaratskhelia has contributed to 10 goals in the Champions League knockout phase this season, more than any other player, scoring seven and providing three assists. That influence has placed Kvaratskhelia among the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Kvaratskhelia has also set a unique Champions League record. The 25-year-old is the first player to score or assist in seven straight knockout stage appearances within a single Champions League campaign. That streak has drawn comparisons with team-mate Ousmane Dembele, who collected the Ballon d'Or in 2026.

Despite that form, Kvaratskhelia stressed that PSG's progress is rooted in collective work rather than individual brilliance. Asked by TNT Sports' Julien Laurens about the level of praise, Kvaratskhelia replied: "I feel a little bit, but it's not about me, I want to be simple, I just play because I love it."

Kvaratskhelia continued: "When I go to the pitch, I try to enjoy it with my amazing team-mates, the amazing club, my amazing coach, with his staff. I just try to enjoy it every time I train, I try to play. Maybe life has changed a little bit in this time, but I want to stay the same, humble, and I'm just doing the job I love, I'm just trying to enjoy it."

PSG Champions League focus versus domestic form

Since arriving from Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has already collected seven trophies with PSG, including four during the current season. Luis Enrique's side have secured Ligue 1 and the Trophee des Champions, while also challenging strongly in Europe. That honours list reflects both the team's consistency and Kvaratskhelia's rapid adaptation.

Domestic numbers, though, have been lower than in Europe. In Ligue 1 this season, Kvaratskhelia has recorded 12 goal contributions, with eight goals and four assists. That figure still ranks second within PSG's squad, behind Ousmane Dembele's 17 contributions, yet the contrast with Kvaratskhelia's Champions League return is clear.

PSG Champions League nights and Kvaratskhelia's motivation

The winger explained that UEFA's main competition holds a special emotional pull. "For every football player, the Champions League nights are the dream to play in," Kvaratskhelia said. "I'm one of them; it was a dream to play in the Champions League. I'm in the final for the second time, so a little bit I [have] achieved it."

Kvaratskhelia added: "But I still have that hungriness that I want to go on the field. Every time the Champions League anthem starts to sing, I'm just turning on. It's something different than everything, that's why they call it the Champions League." That mindset has shaped PSG's campaign and his own standout displays.

PSG Champions League history against English opposition

Since 2020, PSG have reached the Champions League final three times, more than any other club in that period. Their record against English opponents in knockout ties is also strong, with PSG winning each of their last five such contests. Manchester City were the last English side to eliminate PSG, doing so in the 2020-21 semi-finals.

As PSG prepare to defend their crown against Arsenal, Kvaratskhelia arrives with historic numbers, a growing trophy collection and firm public modesty. The winger's influence in Europe contrasts with quieter league statistics, yet PSG's repeated Champions League runs and strong record versus English clubs underline the scale of the challenge facing Arsenal in Budapest.