Toni Kroos: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the clear choice for the Ballon d'Or
Former German midfielder says the 25-year-old PSG winger is the clear number one and deserves the Ballon d'Or.
Toni Kroos has publicly named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia his pick for this year’s Ballon d'Or, arguing the PSG winger is the player who most deserves the award ahead of the ceremony scheduled for 26 October in Paris.
Debate has intensified in recent weeks about the frontrunners for the prize. Last year, the award went to Ousmane Dembélé, who is again among the candidates, while some observers point to World Cup performances as a deciding factor and have highlighted names such as Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Rodri.
"Kvaratskhelia is clearly number one," Kroos said
Speaking on the topic, the former German midfielder did not hesitate. "Kvaratskhelia is without doubt the number one at the moment. He deserves the Ballon d'Or and I have no doubt about that," Kroos said, then added: "Last season, and at the start of this season, he is the best player of the best club in the world."
The 25-year-old Kvaratskhelia recorded 49 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions last season, contributing 19 goals and 11 assists. He also made a decisive impact at the start of the current campaign as a key figure in PSG's European Super Cup victory over Aston Villa (2:1).
Kroos' endorsement adds a high-profile voice to the ongoing discussion over how to weigh a full season's body of work against standout performances at major tournaments. With the Ballon d'Or ceremony set for 26 October, the conversation is likely to intensify as voters assess form, trophies and individual impact through the end of the year.
Photo: press material from the event
