Cannavaro backs Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or, cites UCL impact
Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro has named Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his choice to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the Georgian did extraordinary things for his club in last season’s UEFA Champions League. Cannavaro told Gazzetta dello Sport that he values a player’s overall influence over recent events alone and believes Kvaratskhelia was the most impactful footballer in the Champions League from a footballing standpoint. He placed Kvaratskhelia ahead of high‑profile contenders such as Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or will be announced in London on October 26, 2026. Cannavaro’s endorsement adds a notable voice to the conversation ahead of the ceremony, especially for fans who follow European club performances when weighing the award. For readers, the key details are: the award ceremony date (Oct 26, London), Cannavaro’s reasoning (Champions League influence over recent World Cup or career legacy), and the players he compared Kvaratskhelia against. Knowing this can help you contextualize the upcoming Ballon d’Or discussion and decide whether to track Kvaratskhelia’s form or consider other candidates as the voting approaches.
Do you agree with Cannavaro’s pick, or do you think another player deserves the award more based on their recent performances?