Kroos champions Kvaratskhelia as Ballon d’Or outsider despite PSG dominance
German midfielder Toni Kroos, a 114‑time German international, has publicly backed Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to win the Ballon d’Or, arguing the Paris Saint‑Germain star deserves the award before the winner is announced on Monday 26 October in the upcoming ceremony.
De Duitse journalist Florian Malburg dedicated an item to the Ballon d’Or on Instagram. While Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane were initially put forward, Kroos entered the comment section himself. The post quickly sparked a lively debate among fans.
Kroos breaks the consensus
Toni Kroos, described as “De 114‑voudig Duits international”, wrote, “If you ask me… Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. That will probably not happen, but for me it is crystal clear.” He posted the comment directly in the discussion thread. He also listed Rodri, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé as alternative candidates.
Club success outweighs league stature
Kroos argued that the four alternatives had either a mediocre season or were playing in an insignificant competition, a comment that specifically targeted Messi’s league. He added that Bellingham and Mbappé, despite featuring in top leagues, were still deemed insufficient. The former midfielder’s focus therefore remained on club performance rather than national team exploits.
Paris Saint‑Germain, Kvaratskhelia’s club, enjoyed a top season and secured a second consecutive Champions League title. “Kvara was the best player of the best club team in the world,” Kroos asserted. Their domestic campaign also reinforced the club’s dominance. His assessment highlighted the winger’s consistent impact throughout the campaign.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed on Monday 26 October, noted in the original Dutch phrase “Op maandag 26 oktober”. Ousmane Dembélé remains the most recent recipient of the most prestigious individual football prize. The upcoming ceremony will determine whether Kroos’s unconventional pick can overturn the traditional favourites.