Dietmar Hamann has ranked Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of Luis Diaz and Vinicius Jr, with the PSG star also backed as a serious contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Key Takeaways
- Dietmar Hamann ranks Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the best left winger ahead of Luis Diaz and Vinicius Jr.
- Hamann believes Kvaratskhelia was the best player last season and deserves Ballon d’Or consideration.
- Bacary Sagna also backed Kvaratskhelia for the prestigious individual award.
- Diaz remains in contention after a standout first season at Bayern Munich, while Liverpool continue to feel his absence.
Hamann Ranks Kvaratskhelia Above Diaz and Vini Jr
The Brazilian scored 24 goals across all competitions that season and narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or, finishing behind European Championship winner Rodri. However, despite scoring at least 22 goals in five consecutive seasons, Vinicius has seen his performances overshadowed by other players in his position.
When asked by GOAL, speaking courtesy of Betinia NJ, whether Luis Diaz is currently the best left winger in the world, Hamann instead selected Kvaratskhelia. Hamann added that Kvaratskhelia was the best player last season, while acknowledging Diaz as another standout performer.
Diaz Enjoying Career-Best Form at Bayern
Diaz’s reputation grew rapidly after his move from Porto to Liverpool in January 2022. During his time at Anfield, the Colombian won the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, scoring 17 goals in his final season with the club.
His first campaign with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich saw him reach a personal best of 26 goals. Hamann praised Diaz’s performances but placed him behind Kvaratskhelia and Vinicius in his ranking of last season’s top left wingers.
“But last year was brilliant,” Hamann said of Diaz, while adding that the Colombian was “absolutely outstanding.”
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Kvaratskhelia Backed for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Kvaratskhelia’s performances have also earned him support in the wider 2026 Ballon d’Or debate. Former France international Bacary Sagna told GOAL that the PSG winger deserves the award after playing a crucial role in a successful campaign.
“For me, Kvara deserves the Ballon d'Or,” Sagna said. “For me, Kvara has been phenomenal and being a winger and having such an impact and successful campaign.”
Sagna also highlighted Kvaratskhelia’s importance to PSG’s Champions League success, saying, “Apart from winning the Champions League, I think football players will agree that Kvara was the most important player last season.”
Diaz Still in the Ballon d’Or Conversation
The Ballon d’Or race remains wide open, with Harry Kane among the leading contenders after scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich last season and helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals. Diaz also remains in contention after already finding the net early in the 2026-27 campaign.
His form has only further highlighted what Liverpool are missing after the Reds sanctioned his €75 million (£64m/$87m) transfer this summer, following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
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