Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgia winger for Paris Saint-Germain, was handed the UEFA Champions League player of the season award on Sunday after being selected by a panel of judges.
The forward played a key role as PSG successfully defended their crown, producing 10 goals and six assists across 16 appearances and constantly troubling opponents with his attacking threat.
PSG’s European campaign also included a dramatic Saturday clash with Arsenal, where they recovered after falling behind. They levelled when Ousmane Dembélé converted a penalty at 65 minutes following a foul on Kvaratskhelia, who was cut down inside the area.
Both teams saw Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé depart before the match entered extra time, which finished 1-1. PSG then edged through in the shoot-out, winning 4-3.
UEFA’s technical observer group, made up of roughly 30 football figures including Gareth Southgate, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Rafa Benítez, cast their votes for the award.
In its official message, the panel said Kvaratskhelia’s season had been both decisive and outstanding.
“Arguably Kvaratskhelia’s most impressive showing arrived during the unforgettable semi-final first leg against Bayern, where he curled a strike to bring his team level at 1-1 and then followed it up with a powerful effort in the second half to complete a brilliant double,” the statement read.
He also made a major impact in the knockout rounds, scoring three times across the two matches versus Chelsea in the last 16, and finding the net again against Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
Now 25 years old, Kvaratskhelia was additionally among the goals in the 2025 final, as PSG routed Inter Milan 5-0.
