The UEFA technical observer panel has officially named Paris Saint-Germain superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season for 2026. The Georgian international enjoyed a sensational campaign, featuring in 16 matches throughout the competition, where he managed to find the net 10 times and provide 7 crucial assists. His influence reached its peak in the final at the Puskás Aréna, where he earned the vital penalty converted by Ousmane Dembélé to level the score against Arsenal, ultimately leading PSG to a penalty shootout victory.
In addition to Kvaratskhelia’s individual glory, Real Madrid prodigy Arda Güler was honored with the Young Player of the Season award. Despite Madrid’s exit, the 21-year-old Turkish talent stood out with 2 goals and 4 assists in 14 appearances, cementing his status as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
The UEFA Champions League Team of the Season was naturally dominated by the two finalists, PSG and Arsenal. Representing the champions were Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembélé. Arsenal, despite their heartbreak, saw David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, and Declan Rice included in the elite XI.
Notably, the lineup featured a significant absence of Spanish giants’ stars, with no players from Real Madrid or Barcelona making the cut. Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente was the sole representative from Spain, alongside Bayern Munich’s duo Michael Olise and Harry Kane. Surprisingly, Kylian Mbappé, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with a staggering 16 goals, was excluded from the Team of the Season. Analysts suggest that Real Madrid’s premature exit in the quarter-finals weighed heavily against his inclusion despite his clinical individual numbers.
