Toni Kroos has shared his thoughts on the next Ballon d’Or, and the former Real Madrid midfielder has surprised many by refusing to back the main favorites who have dominated the discussion in recent weeks.
For the German legend, the World Cup should not automatically be the decisive factor when determining the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award. Kroos believes performances at club level must carry greater weight, particularly when a player has consistently delivered in the biggest matches throughout the season.
The former Germany international feels that several of the leading candidates have not shown enough consistency with their respective clubs. Rodri, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé are among the high-profile names mentioned by Kroos, who believes none of them produced a club campaign as impressive as the player he considers his personal favorite.
Despite their quality and achievements, Kroos appears to value week-to-week consistency, influence in major matches and performances in the Champions League above everything else.
Kroos votes for Kvaratskhelia
Kroos ultimately selected a player who has not always been mentioned among the very biggest favorites for the Ballon d’Or: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian winger enjoyed an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain and, according to Kroos, deserves to be regarded as the best player in world football right now.
“He is the number one player for me,” the former Real Madrid star explained when discussing his preferred candidate for the award.
Kvaratskhelia finished the season with an impressive tally of 19 goals and 11 assists, confirming his importance in PSG’s attacking system. However, it was mainly his performances in the Champions League that strengthened his case for the Ballon d’Or.
The Georgian international recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 16 Champions League appearances, playing a major role in helping PSG win the competition for the second consecutive season.
Those numbers underline just how decisive Kvaratskhelia was on the biggest European stage. He was not simply producing impressive statistics against weaker opposition; he regularly made the difference when PSG faced elite teams and when the pressure was at its highest.
For Kroos, that makes him the standout footballer of the season.
The German described Kvaratskhelia as “the best player of the season” and also believes he is currently “the best player in the best football club in the world.”
It is a strong statement from a man who spent his career competing at the highest level and winning virtually every major trophy available with Real Madrid and Germany.
🚨 Toni Kroos: “The Ballon d’Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 20, 2026
He’s probably won’t win but he’s the number 1 without hesitation.
The best World Cup players: Messi, Jude, Mbappé, Rodri had average club seasons.
Kvara was the best player from currently the best club in the… pic.twitter.com/DSpPcEH6ZT
Nevertheless, Kroos is aware that his favorite may not ultimately receive the award when the Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in London on October 26.
“The Ballon d’Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He probably won’t win it, but he is number one, without any doubt,” Kroos added.
Whether voters will agree remains to be seen, but Kroos’ choice certainly adds another name to what promises to be a fascinating Ballon d’Or debate.
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