Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has picked three current Paris Saint-Germain stars as his favourites to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. In an interview with Le Parisien, the 60-year-old coach, now in charge of Neom SC in Saudi Arabia, named Fabian Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

"If we look at the trophies won, I would mention Fabian Ruiz," Galtier said. He added about the 30-year-old Spanish midfielder, whom he brought from Napoli in 2022: "If there is one player who allows the collective to be so well-oiled, it is him." Galtier believes Ruiz, after a tough adaptation period, has become a central part of Paris Saint-Germain's midfield engine due to his tactical intelligence.

For match performances, the former French champion with Lille in 2021 highlighted Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia. He stated that one of these three talents would deserve to lift the trophy in London on October 26, which would end a long wait for a winner playing in the French league. The last player based in France to win the Ballon d'Or was Zinédine Zidane in 1998, while he was playing for Juventus.

This endorsement comes as Paris Saint-Germain sit third in Ligue 1 with 11 points from five games. The club is just two points behind leaders Monaco. The team is in solid form with three wins, a draw and a loss over that period, and is on a two-game winning streak, including a derby victory at Marseille (2-1) on September 20. The trio named by Galtier have been instrumental in this strong start to the season.

The three named players will remain focused on club duties ahead of the ceremony. Paris Saint-Germain host ninth-placed Le Mans this Saturday, October 10, in the sixth matchday.

Asked about a potential return to France, Galtier, who was linked with a move to Marseille this summer, said he would never close the door to Ligue 1 and is ready for a new challenge. "I am not closing any doors, especially not the door to France. I am ready for an interesting new challenge," he revealed. For now, his gaze remains fixed on his former charges and the game's highest individual honour.

Background and full detail: goal.com