Toni Kroos Backs PSG Star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Ballon d’Or Ahead of Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid legend snubs former teammate in surprising award prediction
Toni Kroos has thrown his weight behind an unexpected candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or, naming Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his clear favourite ahead of former teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The German midfield maestro, who retired from professional football this summer, made his stance crystal clear during a recent media appearance.
“The Ballon d’Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia,” Kroos declared.
“He’s probably not going to win but he’s the number 1 without hesitation.”
Kroos acknowledged the Georgian winger faces an uphill battle to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour, but insisted the PSG star deserves recognition above all others.
The former Real Madrid man justified his controversial choice by pointing to the inconsistent club campaigns of this year’s other leading candidates.
“The best World Cup players: Messi, Jude, Mbappé, Rodri had average club seasons,” Kroos explained.
“Kvara was the best player from the best club in the world.”
Kvaratskhelia played a pivotal role in PSG’s dominant Ligue 1 campaign and their run to the Champions League semi-finals, consistently delivering match-winning performances throughout the season.
While Mbappe finished as La Liga’s top scorer and Real Madrid’s leading marksman, the French superstar failed to secure silverware at either club or international level.
The Pichichi winner’s individual brilliance counted for little as Real Madrid ended the season trophyless, while France’s World Cup campaign also ended in disappointment.
This barren run stands in stark contrast to previous Ballon d’Or winners, who typically combine stellar individual statistics with significant team achievements.
The 2026 race remains unusually open following Spain’s World Cup triumph, where collective effort overshadowed individual brilliance.
With no clear standout performer from the victorious Spanish contingent, Kroos believes the award should recognise consistent excellence across an entire campaign rather than tournament heroics alone.
