Ballon d’Or: Michel Platini backs Khvicha Kvaratskhelia over Kylian Mbappe

Michel Platini has named Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his choice to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, offering a contrasting view to Jose Mourinho’s comments about the leading candidates.

The France football legend believes Kvaratskhelia’s success with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League makes him a strong contender for the individual award.

Platini was quoted by Tribuna as saying: “For the Ballon d’Or, I would place a small bet on the Paris Saint-Germain player, Kvaratskhelia.”

Explaining his selection, the former France international added: “He won the Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.”

Platini continued: “The Champions League means playing a lot of matches. There are four or five other players who also deserve the award.”

His comments come after Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho sparked debate over the Ballon d’Or during a discussion about this year’s prize. Mourinho said the award should not go to a Paris Saint-Germain player or to a member of the Spain national team.

The Real Madrid manager also referred to a player who had produced an extraordinary individual achievement during the summer. His remarks were interpreted as a reference to Kylian Mbappe, who became the all-time leading goalscorer at the World Cup.

That view places Mbappe at the centre of the Ballon d’Or discussion, while Platini’s endorsement instead puts the spotlight on Kvaratskhelia and Paris Saint-Germain’s European success.

The Georgian forward’s case, according to Platini, is based primarily on his contribution to a team that lifted the Champions League title. The French football icon also acknowledged that the award remains open, identifying four or five other players as deserving candidates.

The identity of this year’s Ballon d’Or winner will be decided in October. Ousmane Dembele is expected to face strong competition as he attempts to defend the award he currently holds.

The contrasting assessments from Platini and Mourinho underline the range of criteria being considered in the debate: collective achievement in Europe, individual records and performances for club and country.

Platini’s backing of Kvaratskhelia is therefore a notable intervention, particularly because Mourinho’s remarks had pointed towards a candidate outside Paris Saint-Germain and the Spain national team. While Mourinho highlighted an exceptional individual accomplishment during the summer, Platini placed greater emphasis on winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Ballon d’Or decision will settle the contest in October, with Kvaratskhelia, Mbappe, Dembele and the other leading contenders awaiting the final outcome.