Ousmane Dembele jokingly offers to split Ballon d'Or with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has backed his PSG team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to win the 2026 award following an exceptional campaign.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Zakarie Faibis
Paris Saint-Germain have adopted a collective approach regarding the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony. The club is refusing to choose between their two standout candidates, opting instead to support both Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the prestigious honour.
Dembele, the current holder of the trophy, has been vocal in his praise for his teammate. During recent media appearances, he highlighted the Georgian forward's exceptional season, particularly his performances in the Champions League.
He’s a Ballon d’Or contender. Honestly, he deserves it. He’s had an exceptional season. He’s an incredible player, and he’s proven it in Champions League matches. Ousmane Dembele
Faced with the prospect of one of them missing out on the prize, Dembele offered a lighthearted solution. "The Ballon d'Or? We’ll just cut it in half," he joked, ensuring the focus remains on the team's success rather than individual rivalry.
With the ceremony set for October 26 in London, the football world will soon see if Dembele defends his title or if Kvaratskhelia claims his first golden ball. Regardless of the outcome, the club remains well-positioned to celebrate a major victory.