Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Named 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season

Following a dramatic conclusion to the European club campaign, UEFA’s Technical Observer Group has officially named Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season. The announcement comes on the heels of PSG’s successful defense of their European crown, a feat achieved after a tense victory over Arsenal in Saturday’s final.

The 25-year-old Georgian international, who moved to the French capital in 2025, served as the creative heartbeat for PSG’s back-to-back title run. Over the course of the competition, Kvaratskhelia recorded 10 goals and six assists, cementing his status as one of the most influential attackers in world football today.

A Decisive Performance at the Peak of Europe

Saturday’s final against Arsenal was a microcosm of Kvaratskhelia’s season. With PSG trailing, it was the winger who drew the pivotal second-half penalty that leveled the score. The match eventually concluded 1-1 after extra time, with the Parisian side ultimately prevailing in a high-stakes penalty shootout.

While his teammate Vitinha was recognized as the player of the match for the final, the broader honors for the season belong to Kvaratskhelia. His ability to navigate tight defensive blocks—a hallmark of his play—proved critical in overcoming a resilient Arsenal side that had pushed the French champions to the absolute limit.

The 2025/26 Champions League Team of the Season

Alongside Kvaratskhelia, Paris Saint-Germain dominated the Champions League Team of the Season, with five players representing the club. The selections reflect a tournament defined by tactical discipline and individual brilliance.

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season:

• Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
• Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel (Arsenal), Nuno Mendes (PSG)
• Midfielders: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Vitinha (PSG), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
• Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Arsenal’s contribution to the final was well-represented in the squad, with David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice earning spots for their defensive and midfield contributions throughout the knockout stages.

Looking Ahead: Individual Honors and The Ballon d’Or Conversation

As the club season concludes, the focus in the footballing world inevitably shifts toward individual accolades. Kvaratskhelia’s MVP status in Europe’s premier competition has already sparked intense debate regarding his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.

Despite his phenomenal form, some analysts have pointed to the lack of a major summer tournament—with Georgia failing to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in North America—as a potential hurdle in the voting process. However, his consistent output at the highest level of club football has made him a central figure in the conversation regardless of international variables.

Elsewhere, the technical panel recognized other standout performers: Real Madrid’s Arda Guler was named the “Revelation of the Season,” while Federico Valverde took home the Goal of the Season award for his stunning hat-trick-sealing volley against Manchester City in the Round of 16.

For Kvaratskhelia, the recognition marks a significant milestone in his career, validating the move to Paris and his evolution into a global superstar. As clubs prepare for the summer transfer window and pre-season preparations, the Georgian remains the player to watch, serving as the standard-bearer for a new generation of attacking talent.

Stay tuned to Archysport for further analysis on the fallout from the Champions League final and updates on the summer transfer market.