Ukraine head coach Andrea Maldera told Sport.ua on 28 September 2026 that Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is an “incredible player” who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or. Maldera said the award would be justified not only for Khvicha’s form this year but also for how he performed in previous seasons at Napoli.

Asked whether there is a special plan to contain Khvicha, Maldera praised the winger’s level and wished him well. He also noted Khvicha’s current club connection with Ukraine defender Illya Zabarnyi, who is his teammate at Paris Saint‑Germain. The remarks were published in the build-up to the Georgia–Ukraine Nations League meeting.