PSG chief Al-Khelaifi backs Dembele, Ruiz, Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d'Or
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told Marca that he wants one of his three players—Ousmane Dembele, Fabian Ruiz, or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. He confirmed all three are among the 30 nominees shortlisted for the award, after Paris Saint-Germain won the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League for the second consecutive season.
For Nigerian football fans, the Ballon d'Or remains the sport's highest individual honour. Al-Khelaifi's endorsement highlights which players PSG's leadership views as having delivered the standout 2025-26 campaign, giving local supporters a clue about the contenders beyond the usual Messi-Haaland debate.
The award will be decided later this year. Fans can assess whether Dembele's wing play, Ruiz's midfield control, or Kvaratskhelia's dribbling merits the prize and follow the ceremony to see if a PSG player finally claims football's top individual prize.
He also noted that he knows Kylian Mbappe well and regards him as one of the best players in the world, although Mbappe did not make his trio.