The duo, once key figures in SSC Napoli’s title-winning side, have continued their influence on the continental stage despite playing for different clubs this season. Osimhen represents Galatasaray SK, while Kvaratskhelia has starred for Paris Saint-Germain FC, as the Champions League approaches its conclusion with PSG set to face Arsenal FC in the final on May 30 in Budapest.
Osimhen’s impact despite early exit
Even though Galatasaray were eliminated by Liverpool FC in the round of 16, Osimhen’s performances ensured his name remained prominent throughout the competition.
His first Man of the Match award came in a 1-0 win over Liverpool, where his decisive penalty secured victory at RAMS Park. He followed that with another award in a 3-1 win over Bodø/Glimt, before producing one of the standout individual displays of the tournament—scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Ajax.
His fourth award arrived in the playoff stage against Juventus, despite a 3-2 defeat, where his goal helped Galatasaray advance to the round of 16.
Overall, Osimhen has recorded seven goals and three assists in 10 Champions League appearances, underlining his consistency at the highest level.
Kvaratskhelia shines in PSG’s deep run
Kvaratskhelia, meanwhile, has played a central role in PSG’s march to the final, delivering decisive performances in the knockout stages.
He earned his most recent Man of the Match award in a 2-0 win over Liverpool in the quarter-finals and also impressed during a series of strong displays against Chelsea FC in the round of 16, where he collected multiple individual honours.
His first award of the campaign came in a commanding 4-0 win over Atalanta BC in September, setting the tone for a season in which he has become one of PSG’s most influential attacking outlets.
Declan Rice joins the chasing pack
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is also in contention, having collected three Man of the Match awards so far. His performances have been crucial to Arsenal’s run to the final.
Rice first stood out in a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich, followed by another strong display in a 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen. His most recent recognition came in Arsenal’s semi-final second-leg win over Atlético Madrid, which sealed their place in the final.
From Napoli success to European spotlight
Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia’s current form continues a partnership that previously flourished at Napoli, where both were central to the club’s 2022/23 Serie A title triumph.
Osimhen finished as Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals, while Kvaratskhelia was named Player of the Year after contributing 12 goals and 10 assists as Napoli ended a 33-year wait for a league title.
Their subsequent moves—Kvaratskhelia’s €70 million transfer to PSG in January 2025 and Osimhen’s €75 million switch to Galatasaray—have only extended their influence onto Europe’s biggest stage.
Final stage set for individual and team glory
With PSG and Arsenal preparing for the Champions League final, Kvaratskhelia still has a chance to overtake Osimhen in the individual awards ranking, while Rice remains a contender to draw level.
As the tournament reaches its climax, the Man of the Match leaderboard reflects not only personal brilliance but also the broader narrative of a season defined by attacking talent, high-stakes knockout drama, and the continued evolution of Europe’s elite forwards and midfielders.