Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia continues to demonstrate his exceptional form, scoring a goal for Georgia in a friendly match against Israel on Thursday. The 25-year-old, who has been a key contributor for PSG in the Champions League with four goals in his last three matches, also captained his national team in the contest.
Kvaratskhelia, playing on the wing and wearing the captain’s armband alongside former Lyon player Georges Mikautadze, found the back of the net in the 36th minute. According to reports, he received the ball on the left flank, skillfully cut inside, evaded Israeli defenders, and unleashed a precise right-footed shot that beat the goalkeeper. He then celebrated with his signature display of composure, a gesture that has become familiar to PSG fans.
Whereas Kvaratskhelia’s performance is a testament to his current form, he won’t have the opportunity to showcase it on the biggest stage this summer. Georgia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing third in Group E of the European qualifiers behind Spain and Turkey. They also did not secure a spot through the Nations League playoffs.
Kvaratskhelia: A Rising Star in Global Football
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s ascent has been remarkable. Born February 12, 2001, in Tbilisi, Georgia, he currently plays as a left winger for Paris Saint-Germain, having joined the club in January 2025. His market value is currently estimated at €90 million, according to Transfermarkt. He’s quickly become a fan favorite in Paris, and a crucial component of their attack. The Georgian international is also the captain of the Georgia national team, a role he assumed recently, highlighting his leadership qualities.
Before arriving in Paris, Kvaratskhelia had a varied club career. He began his senior career with Dinamo Tbilisi in 2017, followed by a stint at Rustavi. He then spent time on loan at Lokomotiv Moscow and with Rubin Kazan, where he earned consecutive Russian Premier League Best Young Player awards. A spell with Dinamo Batumi preceded his move to Napoli in 2022, where he further established himself as a top talent, scoring 28 goals in 85 appearances. His performances at Napoli earned him widespread recognition and ultimately led to his transfer to PSG.
Impact and Playing Style
Kvaratskhelia is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, and is considered by many to be the greatest Georgian player of all time. He’s known for his exceptional dribbling skills, agility, and playmaking ability. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. The recent goal against Israel is a prime example of his ability to take on defenders and find the back of the net.
According to one-versus-one.com, Kvaratskhelia currently has a 1vs1 score of 75.73, slightly higher than Georges Mikautadze’s score of 72.45. The data also shows Kvaratskhelia maintains an 82.91% passing accuracy, ranking him 165th while Mikautadze has a 64.66% accuracy. These statistics highlight Kvaratskhelia’s technical proficiency and ability to control the game.
Georgia’s World Cup Disappointment
Despite Kvaratskhelia’s individual brilliance, Georgia’s failure to qualify for the World Cup is a significant disappointment for the nation. Finishing third in their qualifying group, behind Spain and Turkey, meant they missed out on automatic qualification and the opportunity to compete in the playoffs. This outcome underscores the challenges faced by smaller footballing nations in competing with established European powers.
The Georgian national team, captained by Kvaratskhelia, will now focus on future competitions and building a team capable of consistently challenging for major tournament qualification. Kvaratskhelia’s leadership and talent will undoubtedly be central to those efforts.
What’s Next for Kvaratskhelia?
Kvaratskhelia will return to Paris to continue his campaign with PSG. The team will be looking to build on their recent Champions League performances and compete for domestic titles. Fans can expect to see more of Kvaratskhelia’s dynamic play and goal-scoring prowess in the coming weeks and months. His next confirmed match will be a Ligue 1 fixture, details of which will be announced on the PSG official website.
The Georgian captain’s continued success will be closely watched by fans around the world, as he cements his place as one of the most exciting talents in modern football.
