Agbonlahor says 2026 Ballon d'Or must go to Khvicha
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Gabriel Agbonlahor told talkSPORT that he would award the 2026 Ballon d'Or to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, judging his impact at PSG greater than that of other contenders, even without a World Cup performance.
According to Championship.
Context
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, key PSG player, has captivated fans with his style of play and contributions on the pitch. His impact within the Paris team is such that he is now considered a contender for the Ballon d'Or, recognition which could strengthen his stature in world football. Comparisons to other big names, like Harry Kane, highlight his exceptional potential.
Why it matters
Gabriel Agbonlahor's statements on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia underline the growing importance of the player within PSG and in the world football landscape. By highlighting his exceptional performances, Agbonlahor is relaunching the debate on the selection criteria for the Ballon d'Or, in particular the impact of club performances compared to exploits in international competitions. This could influence the perception of voters for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Key points
- Agbonlahor says 2026 Ballon d'Or must go to Khvicha.
- Gabriel Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT that he would award the 2026 Ballon d'Or to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, judging his impact at PSG greater than that of other contenders, even without a World Cup performance.
- Агбонлахор заявил, что “Золотой мяч” — 2026 должен получить Хвича Кварацхелия.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, former Aston Villa striker, does not beat around the bush: for him, the 2026 Ballon d'Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. In comments reported by talkSPORT, Agbonlahor praised the season of the young PSG winger and believes that his absence at the next World Cup should not be an obstacle to a possible individual reward.
“Who would I give the Ballon d’Or to? Khvicha Kvaratskhelia,” Agbonlahor said. “The thing is: can't he get the award just because he didn't play at the World Championship? If you think about it, Kvaratskhelia has been the best player at PSG throughout the season, the one who is pleasant to watch. He was exceptional. Better than Lamine Yamal. Better than Harry Kane. Better than anyone. I would choose it. I think he’s the footballer whose game I like to watch.”
These comments summarize a recurring debate: does the Ballon d'Or mainly reward club performances over an entire season or exploits during a major tournament like the World Cup? Agbonlahor clearly argues for the primacy of club performances by emphasizing the visual and collective impact of the PSG player throughout the exercise.
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The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for London on October 26, 2026. All eyes will be on the candidates and their achievements over the past season, but also - inevitably - on those who shone during the World Cup. In 2025, the trophy went to Ousmane Dembélé, also a PSG player, proof that the Parisian club occupies a central place in discussions around major individual distinctions.
Agbonlahor's intervention therefore relaunches the discussion around selection criteria and players able to compete with the big names in world football. For the former England player, Kvaratskhelia's aesthetic argument and consistency at the highest level speak in his favor, regardless of possible exposure on the World Championship stage.
These statements, relayed by talkSPORT, have already sparked reactions among observers and supporters: some approve of the emphasis on club performances, others believe that international competitions weigh too heavily in the awarding of the trophy to ignore the World Cup.
In any case, the upcoming season and World Cup will provide the necessary material for the Ballon d'Or jury to decide between the contenders and, perhaps, prove Gabriel Agbonlahor right — or wrong.
The rest
As the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony approaches, Kvaratskhelia's performances at PSG will be closely scrutinized. If the young winger continues his momentum, he could well become a serious candidate for the title, despite his absence at the World Cup. Discussions surrounding his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or are likely to intensify, especially if his performances continue to impress.
Frequently asked questions
Who said that the 2026 Ballon d'Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor made the claim.
Why does Agbonlahor think Kvaratskhelia deserves the 2026 Ballon d'Or?
Agbonlahor believes that Kvaratskhelia was PSG's best player during the season and that his performances at club should take precedence over his absence at the World Cup.
What performances of Kvaratskhelia Agbonlahor highlighted?
Agbonlahor praised Kvaratskhelia's visual and collective impact throughout the season at PSG.
When will the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony take place?
The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, 2026.
What is the recurring debate around the Ballon d'Or mentioned in the article?
The debate concerns whether the Ballon d'Or primarily rewards club performances over an entire season or exploits at major tournaments like the World Cup.