Champions League Awards: Kvaratskhelia Named Player of the Season as Mbappe Claims Golden Boot
The curtain has officially fallen on the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season, with individual honours now recognising the standout performers who lit up Europe's premier club competition.
Following Paris Saint-Germain's dramatic triumph over Arsenal in the final in Budapest, UEFA's Technical Observer Group announced the winners of the competition's major individual awards.
One of the first accolades handed out after the final was the Player of the Match award, which went to PSG midfielder Vitinha. The Portuguese international delivered another composed and influential performance in midfield, helping PSG secure their second consecutive Champions League title.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament's leading scorer. Despite Real Madrid falling short of the final, the French superstar ended the campaign with 15 goals, enough to secure the Golden Boot award.
Kvaratskhelia Crowned Player of the Season
The biggest individual honour went to PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
The Georgian star enjoyed a remarkable campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists as PSG successfully defended their European crown.
Kvaratskhelia's pace, creativity, and ability to influence decisive matches made him one of the competition's standout performers and a key figure in PSG's triumphant run.
Arda Guler Wins Revelation of the Season Award
UEFA also introduced further recognition for emerging talent by awarding Arda Güler the Revelation of the Season prize.
The Real Madrid midfielder earned the honour after a breakthrough campaign that showcased his immense potential on the Champions League stage.
The award is designed to celebrate young players who make a significant impact during the tournament and establish themselves among Europe's rising stars.
Opinion: PSG's Success Reflected in UEFA's Awards
The distribution of awards tells the story of the season perfectly.
While Mbappe's Golden Boot demonstrates his continued excellence as one of football's most lethal forwards, PSG's dominance is reflected in the honours collected by Kvaratskhelia and Vitinha. Individual awards often follow team success, and PSG's Champions League triumph ensured their stars received the recognition their performances deserved.
Kvaratskhelia's selection as Player of the Season is particularly significant. In an era often dominated by headline goalscorers, the Georgian's combination of creativity, work rate, and match-winning contributions highlighted the value of a complete attacking player.
Meanwhile, Guler's emergence offers an encouraging glimpse into the future of European football. His recognition suggests the next generation is already preparing to challenge the sport's established stars.
Ultimately, the awards underline the different ways players can influence a season. Mbappe delivered goals, Vitinha controlled games, Guler announced himself to the football world, and Kvaratskhelia combined brilliance with silverware—an achievement that ultimately made him the standout player of the 2025/26 Champions League campaign.
