Roberto Goretti, a former Napoli midfielder, believes Khvichi Kvaratskhelia faces a tough road to win the Golden Ball. The Italian club and the Georgian winger have sparked ongoing discussions about potential Ballon d’Or success, with Goretti noting that the odds are stacked against Kvaratskhelia despite his growing reputation. The sentiment echoes a common view in the football world: a Ballon d’Or victory depends as much on consistency, club performance, and global visibility as on individual brilliance.
Goretti emphasized that the challenge rests with Kvaratskhelia himself. He suggested that many observers might not expect Modric to claim another Ballon d’Or, underscoring how unpredictable the voting can be and how rapidly public opinion shifts in big seasons. The message is clear: personal form, pivotal moments, and sustained impact across competitions will shape the final outcome more than expectations alone.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transitioned to Napoli from Dinamo Batumi in July 2022, marking a significant move in his career. Earlier in the year, the player left Rubin Kazan to join the Georgian national team for a training camp, and later it was announced that his contract with Rubin had been suspended. This sequence of transfers illustrates how swiftly a player can rise from domestic leagues to the attention of Europe’s top clubs and reverberate across national team duties. The professional journey highlights the fluid nature of football careers where opportunities can align with peak personal form.
In the 2022-23 season, Napoli achieved the club’s first Serie A title in 33 years. Kvaratskhelia contributed 12 goals and 10 assists across 34 appearances, an output that helped solidify his status as a key architect of Napoli’s success. The season also marked a milestone for his compatriots on the team, with another player emerging as a primary scorer and contributing to a championship-winning campaign. The blend of domestic excellence and European exposure has amplified Kvaratskhelia’s standing in the global football conversation.
When the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner was announced, Lionel Messi of Argentina topped the list. Kvaratskhelia’s name appeared in the rankings, finishing in the 17th position according to the voting tallies. This placement reflects the intense competition and the presence of several established stars who have repeatedly demonstrated top-level consistency on the world stage. Yet the recognition also signals a rising trajectory for Kvaratskhelia, suggesting that continued performance at Napoli and in European competition could propel him higher in future editions.
Kvaratskhelia has previously spoken about his dreams and ambitions, expressing a clear vision for his career. The statements reflect a desire to build a lasting legacy through hard work, decisive performances, and the ability to influence big games. With every season, the winger appears to be refining his game, seeking to translate individual skill into team-wide impact that resonates with fans, pundits, and selectors alike. The broader narrative centers on a player who combines technical skill with a growing sense of responsibility on and off the pitch, aiming to elevate his status within one of Europe’s most storied leagues.