Kvaratskhelia is one of thirty candidates to receive the prestigious award on October 26. Although he is not the bookies' favourite, his nomination as the best player of the previous Champions League season makes him a possible winner. The left-winger is proud of his nomination, saying it's an honour to be a candidate.
The Georgian international feels he has achieved something special in the past year and is happy to represent his country, a small nation with a population of under four million. He believes that his nomination can inspire young children from small countries to strive for greatness. Kvaratskhelia will face Northern Ireland, the country that produced Ballon d'Or winner George Best in 1968, in a match on Friday evening.