Ballon d’Or 2026: Toni Kroos bets on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Toni Kroos does not necessarily share the predictions circulating around the upcoming Ballon d’Or. For the former German international, club performances should take precedence in evaluating candidates, even in a year marked by a World Cup. In this regard, the retired German believes that several leading contenders, including Rodri, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé, have not shown enough consistency with their teams to deserve his preference. His vote goes to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain, the Georgian winger has had a particularly impressive season, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.

Kvaratskhelia stood out especially in the Champions League, where he scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 16 appearances. These performances contributed to PSG’s new European title. “For me, he’s the number one player,” Kroos explained, although he admits that the Georgian will likely have difficulty winning the trophy. “The Ballon d’Or should be for Kvaratskhelia. He probably won’t win it, but he’s number one, no doubt about it,” he concluded.