Northern Ireland’s players landed in Tbilisi to prepare for a home talisman who is now being weighed against their own greatest footballer. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, named 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after PSG’s second consecutive continental title, was in no mood to bat the comparison away.
“I knew of him, of course,” the 25-year-old told a press conference on Friday. “He was one of the best in football history and it’s a pleasure and I’m proud.”
The Georgia winger led PSG’s front line as the club completed the Champions League and Ligue 1 double last season, scoring 10 goals with six assists across 16 European appearances, including a double in the 5-4 semi-final first-leg win over Bayern Munich and drawing the penalty Ousmane Dembélé converted in the final against Arsenal. He is on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, with the 70th ceremony set for 26 October in London.
Best himself lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1968 as a Manchester United forward. Kvaratskhelia returned to the theme of what representing a smaller nation can mean.
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“I’m happy that I represent Georgia, a small country. Little kids, they know that even if they are from a small country, they can achieve these things.”
Sagnol praises ‘fantastic personality’
Willy Sagnol, whose contract as Georgia head coach runs until 2028, leaned into the parallel with one caveat.
“I’m so pleased his life out of football is a bit more quiet than George Best’s life, but we are talking about two very, very, very talented players,” Sagnol told the same press conference.
“He’s not just about a fantastic player but a fantastic personality who thinks always about the team.”
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The Nations League opener
Georgia host Northern Ireland in their Group B2 opener at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi on Friday, 25 September, kicking off at 5pm Irish time. Ukraine and Hungary complete the group.
Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland arrive without Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, still sidelined after knee surgery, and Preston midfielder Ali McCann, who is also out injured.
