Paris St-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said he already feels like he has achieved "something special" after being nominated for the Ballon d'Or. The Georgian is on a 30-player shortlist to be named the world's best player, with the award to be handed out on 26 October. "To be a Ballon d'Or contender, it's already a pleasure to be among these players in the race," said Kvaratskhelia, player of the season in the Champions League in 2025-26.

The 25-year-old added: "I'm happy that I represent Georgia, a small country. Little kids, they know that even if they are from a small country, they can achieve these things." Northern Ireland, who play Georgia on Friday in the Nations League, remain the smallest country by population to produce a Ballon d'Or winner, with George Best the recipient in 1968. "What about George Best? I know him, of course," said Kvaratskhelia. "Some people told me even when I played it seems like him. I'm not sure because he was one of the best in football history and it is a pleasure and I'm proud."

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said: "George Best, an iconic figure in world football and we're very privileged that he came from Northern Ireland. In many ways, he puts our country on the map. I think in Georgia, you have that situation now with Kvaratskhelia who I think is a world-class player."

Georgia coach Willy Sagnol praised Kvaratskhelia's focus on the collective: "Khvicha never said 'I'm the best'. That's why I'm very proud to be his head coach. He's not just a fantastic football player, but also a fantastic personality who thinks always about the team."