Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among the best players of the year at Ballon d'Or Awards

The 67th Ballon d’Or Awards took place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on Tuesday, October 31.

The highlight of the night was when Lionel Messi won the best men’s player award for a record-extending eighth time, while Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona Femeni and Spain clinched the best women’s player award.

Georgian football player, Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia claimed 17th place among Ballon d’Or nominees. He attended the Ballon d’Or Awards with his wife.

The winger revealed it was a dream come true to be at such a ceremony. “I couldn’t imagine that one day I would come here, I am so happy. It’s a pleasure to be with these players, the greatest footballers are here and I’m so happy to be part of them,” he told journalists.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or was presented by France Football magazine, recognizing the best footballers in the world in the 2022–23 season. For the second time in the history of the award, it was given based on the results of the season instead of the calendar year, with the season starting on 1 August 2022 and ending 31 July 2023.