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Galtier's Bold Declaration: A Parisian-Flavored Crown?
The Ballon d'Or debate is always fiery, but former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier just threw a gallon of fuel on the flames, sensationally backing a trio of stars for the coveted 2026 Ballon d'Or award. The prestigious individual accolade is fast approaching, and Galtier has confidently staked his claim for who should lift the prize.
Galtier, who steered PSG during the 2022-23 season, didn't hold back. He named Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé (both currently at PSG), alongside Napoli's electrifying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as his top contenders. The 60-year-old manager is clearly eager to see the award return to a player with strong ties to French football, or at least one he greatly admires.
Key Takeaways:
- Former PSG boss Christophe Galtier has unveiled his surprising 2026 Ballon d'Or picks.
- Galtier champions PSG's Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé, alongside Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
- He highlights Ruiz's crucial tactical intelligence and the collective impact he provides.
- Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia are lauded for their individual brilliance and match-winning moments.
Why These Three Stand Out
Speaking candidly to Le Parisien, the current Neom boss elaborated on his intriguing selection. Galtier meticulously split his reasoning, weighing both silverware and pure on-pitch impact as deciding factors for the ultimate individual honor.
“If we look at the trophies won, I would mention Fabian Ruiz,” Galtier explained. “If we focus on the matches, I think Ousmane Dembélé, even though he has not played much, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been very impressive. One of these three players would deserve to win the Ballon d'Or.” This balanced perspective offers a glimpse into Galtier's footballing philosophy.
The Maestro in Midfield: Ruiz's Resurgence
Among his nominees, Galtier's praise for Fabian Ruiz was particularly effusive. The manager played a pivotal role in bringing the Spanish international to PSG from Napoli in the summer of 2022. This deep connection offers unique insight into Ruiz's journey.
Initially, Ruiz faced a tough adaptation period to the physical demands of Ligue 1 football. However, he has since blossomed, becoming an indispensable cog in PSG's midfield engine room. Galtier remains a profound admirer of the 30-year-old’s tactical acumen and vision.
“If there is one player who allows the collective to be so well-oiled, it is him,” Galtier asserted. “He sees everything before the others, he compensates for movements, he feels football.” Such high praise from a former coach speaks volumes about Ruiz's undervalued influence.
The Countdown to London's Verdict
The footballing world won't have to wait long to discover if Galtier’s bold predictions come to fruition. The highly anticipated 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to light up London in just a few weeks. It's a grand stage for what promises to be a memorable evening.
Until then, Ruiz, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia will undoubtedly remain laser-focused on their demanding club duties. Their recent performances will be under intense scrutiny, as they hope to sway the international jury and potentially etch their names into footballing history.
