Toni Kroos Makes Surprise Ballon d’Or Pick as Kvaratskhelia Gets Backing Over Messi and Mbappé

Toni Kroos has made a surprise choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, backing Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to win the prestigious individual award.

The former Germany and Real Madrid midfielder believes the Georgian winger deserves to finish at the top of the voting, putting him ahead of several of football’s biggest names.

Kroos Has No Doubt About His No. 1

Kroos was emphatic when asked who should win the Ballon d’Or.

For the former midfielder, Kvaratskhelia is his clear choice after the Georgian's performances for PSG.

Kroos believes the winger's contribution at club level makes him the strongest candidate, particularly after helping PSG enjoy an outstanding campaign.

His assessment also challenges the idea that the biggest names automatically deserve to dominate the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Kvaratskhelia's Strong Case

Kvaratskhelia has established himself as one of PSG's most important attacking players since moving to the French champions.

The Georgian produced an impressive campaign, contributing goals, assists and decisive performances as PSG competed for major honours.

His performances in Europe have been particularly important to his Ballon d’Or case, with Kvaratskhelia demonstrating his ability to influence matches against elite opposition.

For Kroos, that level of consistency is enough to put the PSG winger at the top of his personal ranking.

Kroos Questions the Cases of Other Superstars

Kroos also discussed some of the other leading names in the Ballon d’Or race.

Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Rodri are among the players who could attract significant support, but Kroos believes their respective club seasons do not give them a stronger case than Kvaratskhelia.

That does not necessarily mean those players had poor individual campaigns.

Instead, Kroos' argument is that the Ballon d’Or should reward the player who had the strongest overall season rather than simply the biggest reputation.

The World Cup Could Change Everything

Kvaratskhelia's biggest disadvantage is that Georgia did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

That means he could not use football's biggest international tournament to strengthen his Ballon d’Or case.

Other contenders, particularly those who performed exceptionally well at the World Cup, have another major part of their season to point towards.

That could make the final voting extremely competitive.

Kvaratskhelia Still Faces Strong Competition

The PSG winger is not the only player with a convincing case.

Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri and Lionel Messi are among the other names expected to feature prominently in the Ballon d’Or discussion.

Kane enjoyed a prolific season with Bayern Munich, while Yamal continued to establish himself among the world's elite.

Mbappé also remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football, while Rodri's influence in midfield continues to make him a major contender.

That makes Kroos' decision to put Kvaratskhelia at No. 1 particularly significant.

Will Kvaratskhelia Win the Ballon d’Or?

Kroos' endorsement has added another layer to an already fascinating Ballon d’Or debate.

Kvaratskhelia has the performances and club achievements to make a serious case, but the absence of a World Cup campaign could work against him.

Ultimately, the voters will decide whether his contribution for PSG was enough to place him above the other leading contenders.

For now, Kroos has made his position clear: Kvaratskhelia is his No. 1 choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Does Khvicha Kvaratskhelia deserve to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

🔥 Fire: Should World Cup performances matter more than an outstanding club season?

😲 Shock: Would you rank Kvaratskhelia above Mbappé, Messi, Bellingham and Rodri?

👍 Like: Has Kvaratskhelia been the best player at PSG over the past year?

💬 Comment: Who is your 2026 Ballon d’Or winner?