Kvaratskhelia Stays Grounded Amid Ballon d'Or Speculation

Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has played down the possibility of winning this year's Ballon d'Or, maintaining his focus on team success rather than individual accolades ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena on Saturday.

The Georgian international has been in sensational form in the Champions League this season, recording 16 goal involvements (joint-most alongside Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane). However, the 25-year-old remains unfazed by the speculation surrounding his Ballon d'Or chances.

"I Just Play Because I Love It"

Speaking to TNT Sports' Julien Laurens, Kvaratskhelia emphasized his love for the game and his desire to remain humble despite the increased attention:

"I feel a little bit, but it's not about me, I want to be simple, I just play because I love it. When I go to the pitch, I try to enjoy it with my amazing team-mates, the amazing club, my amazing coach, with his staff. I just try to enjoy it every time I train, I try to play.

"Maybe life has changed a little bit in this time, but I want to stay the same, humble, and I'm just doing the job I love, I'm just trying to enjoy it."

Champions League Nights Fuel His Passion

Kvaratskhelia has been particularly outstanding in the knockout phase, contributing 10 goals (seven scored, three assisted) - the highest any player in the competition this season. His remarkable consistency has seen him become the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive knockout stage appearances in the same Champions League campaign.

When asked about his love for the Champions League, the PSG star said:

"For every football player, the Champions League nights are the dream to play in. I'm one of them; it was a dream to play in the Champions League. I'm in the final for the second time, so a little bit I [have] achieved it. But I still have that hungriness that I want to go on the field.

"Every time the Champions League anthem starts to sing, I'm just turning on. It's something different than everything, that's why they call it the Champions League."

PSG's Historic Final Appearance

PSG are aiming to become just the second team in the Champions League era to successfully defend their title. Since 2020, the French giants have reached the Champions League final more times than any other club, appearing in three editions.

They have prevailed in each of their last five Champions League knockout ties against English clubs, with Manchester City being the last English side to eliminate them in the 2020-21 semi-finals.

Kvaratskhelia has already won seven titles for PSG, four of which have come this season, including Ligue 1 and the Trophee des Champions. While his league numbers are more modest with 12 goal contributions (eight goals, four assists), his Champions League performances have been nothing short of exceptional.