Del Piero names Kvaratskhelia as hypothetical 2026 Ballon d'Or winner without World Cup
Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero said Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would have won the 2026 Ballon d'Or if there were no World Cup tournament, speaking during his Sky Sports punditry duty after PSG's Champions League victory over Arsenal. Del Piero stated Kvaratskhelia 'would definitely win' the award, citing his determination in goals, assists and performances, noting nobody matched him in these areas this season. The Georgian star scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the Champions League, earning him UEFA Player of the Season honors.
This highlights how World Cup performance often overshadows exceptional club achievements in Ballon d'Or voting—a relevant consideration for Nigerian fans following the Super Eagles' international campaigns. The comment came immediately after PSG's UCL final win, emphasizing how individual club brilliance can be eclipsed by national tournament narratives in football's most prestigious individual award.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, should individual awards like the Ballon d'Or weigh World Cup performance more heavily, or should they purely reflect yearly club and international form regardless of tournament schedules?