PSG’s Kvaratskhelia: “My Special Move? I Perform on It Every Day” Ahead of Bayern Clash

PARIS — Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doesn’t believe in magic. The Paris Saint-Germain winger, whose dazzling footwork has tormented defenders across Europe, told reporters on Monday that his signature moves are the product of relentless practice—not innate talent. As PSG prepares to face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, the 25-year-old Georgian’s words offer a rare glimpse into the discipline behind his flair.

“My special move? I work on it every day,” Kvaratskhelia said in French, with a translator repeating his words in English. “It’s not something that just happens. You have to train, fail, and train again.”

The Man Bayern Must Stop

Kvaratskhelia’s rise has been meteoric. Since joining PSG from Napoli in January 2025 for a reported €110 million, he has scored 11 goals in 39 appearances for the French champions, including two in their Champions League quarterfinal victory over Liverpool earlier this month. His ability to cut inside from the left wing, accelerate past defenders, and deliver precise crosses or shots has made him a focal point of PSG’s attack—and a nightmare for opponents.

Bayern Munich, who eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, know they must contain Kvaratskhelia if they hope to advance. The German club’s defensive strategy will likely hinge on limiting his space and forcing him to play with his weaker right foot. “He’s the kind of player who can change a game in an instant,” Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano told reporters last week. “We’ve studied his movements, but executing the plan is another story.”

From Tbilisi to the Champions League

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Kvaratskhelia began his professional career at Dinamo Tbilisi at just 16 years old. After stints in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow and Rubin Kazan—where he won back-to-back Russian Premier League Best Young Player awards—he returned to Georgia briefly before joining Napoli in 2022. His performances in Serie A, where he scored 28 goals in 85 appearances, earned him a move to PSG and cemented his reputation as one of the world’s most exciting wingers.

Now, as captain of the Georgia national team, Kvaratskhelia carries the hopes of a nation. His 22 goals in 49 international appearances have made him a national hero, and his leadership will be crucial as Georgia prepares for its first major tournament appearance at UEFA Euro 2028.

What to Watch in the Semifinal

The first leg at Parc des Princes (kickoff: 9:00 p.m. Local time, 7:00 p.m. UTC) will be a tactical chess match. PSG manager Luis Enrique is expected to deploy Kvaratskhelia on the left wing, with Kylian Mbappé through the middle and Vitinha providing creative support. Bayern, meanwhile, will likely rely on their high press and quick transitions to disrupt PSG’s rhythm.

Key factors to watch:

• Kvaratskhelia’s dribbling: Can Bayern’s defense—led by Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt—limit his influence?
• PSG’s midfield battle: Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala will glance to control the tempo.
• Set pieces: Both teams have dangerous takers, including PSG’s Marco Asensio and Bayern’s Leroy Sané.

The Stakes

For PSG, this is a chance to erase the pain of last year’s Champions League final defeat to Manchester City. For Bayern, it’s an opportunity to return to the final for the first time since 2020. And for Kvaratskhelia, it’s another stage to showcase why he’s considered one of the best wingers in the world.

“We know Bayern are a great team, but we’re ready,” Kvaratskhelia said. “This is why we play—to test ourselves against the best.”

What’s Next

The second leg will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 5 (9:00 p.m. Local time, 7:00 p.m. UTC). The winner will advance to the Champions League final in Istanbul on June 1.

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