Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to miss Ballon d’Or ceremony as Paris Saint-Germain team-mates travel

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will not travel to London for Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, according to a report in L’Equipe.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is one of the leading contenders for the award after an outstanding season with the club, which he completed by being named Champions League Player of the Season.

Kvaratskhelia’s attendance had been uncertain since he suffered a serious knee injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona last Tuesday. He is due to undergo surgery in Doha, making a trip to England impossible.

The Georgian international is among the 30 players nominated for the 70th Ballon d’Or awards. Paris Saint-Germain have the largest representation on the shortlist after winning the Champions League for the second consecutive season last term.

His absence means the ceremony will take place without one of the most prominent candidates, despite the major contribution he made to Paris Saint-Germain’s campaign. The club’s success in Europe secured an unusually strong presence among the nominees, with Kvaratskhelia’s individual recognition adding further significance to the club’s representation.

Ousmane Dembele, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to travel to London on Monday evening. He will be accompanied by members of his family.

The France international’s journey comes despite his current injury, while Kvaratskhelia’s planned operation has ruled him out of attending in person.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos will also not be part of the travelling group. He suffered a thigh injury in the match against Barcelona and has instead chosen to attend his club’s Ligue 1 fixture against Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Monday.

The meeting with Lyon is the final match of the eighth round of the French league. Marquinhos’s decision means he will remain in Paris for the club’s domestic fixture rather than travel to the awards ceremony.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has not yet confirmed whether he will attend the Ballon d’Or event.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on Monday night, 26 October 2026, with Paris Saint-Germain’s players featuring prominently among the leading names in contention.