PSG Chief Backs Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia and Ruiz for 2026 Ballon d'Or Glory

On 29 September 2026, at the ECA General Assembly in Denmark, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi sent shockwaves through the football world by declaring that the 2026 Ballon d'Or must go to one of his star trio: Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, or Fabián Ruiz.

This defiant claim came just as voting closed, ramping up the drama ahead of the glittering awards ceremony on 26 October 2026 in London. Backed by their status as back-to-back Champions League winners, PSG are confidently asserting their absolute dominance on the global stage.

PSG's Golden Trio: Who Will Clinch the Ballon d'Or?

Ousmane Dembélé enters the race as the reigning holder after clinching the 2025 Ballon d'Or. The French forward boasts a formidable platform from last term, having racked up a devastating return of 35 goals and 16 assists.

His biggest rival within the PSG camp is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the reigning Champions League Player of the Season for 2025/26. The Georgian star's explosive form has seen his market value soar to a staggering €160m.

The final piece of the puzzle, Fabián Ruiz, is an unsung hero who boasts a unique advantage. The midfielder is the sole player to have swept every major trophy for both club and country over the past year.

The Ultimate Threat: Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal

Despite his confidence, Al-Khelaifi was quick to acknowledge that Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal pose a formidable threat to PSG's monopoly. The presence of their former French talisman alongside Barcelona's teenage prodigy piles immense pressure on this year's race.

The tension is mounting now that the voting has officially closed, bringing the drama to a climax ahead of the awards gala on 26 October in London. With all on-pitch statistics locked in, a fascinating battle of minds now begins among the voters.

Nevertheless, PSG's absolute dominance in the Champions League remains their strongest platform. This superior collective achievement gives Luis Enrique's stars a distinct advantage in the Ballon d'Or race.

Editorial Verdict

Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists PSG will continue to dominate European football with their superior squad depth. The Qatari president's confidence is well-founded, as the French club possesses match-winners of the highest calibre.

The awards ceremony on 26 October in London will crown the new king of world football. In your opinion, out of the trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Fabián Ruiz, who most deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?