Tbilisi, Georgia – Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been officially named captain of the Georgia national team, succeeding Guram Kashia, who will retire from international football in June. The appointment, announced by the Georgian Football Federation, marks a new chapter for the national team as they prepare for upcoming friendly matches against Israel and Lithuania on March 26th and 29th, respectively.
The 25-year-old Kvaratskhelia, who currently plays as a left winger for PSG, inherits the captaincy after Kashia’s distinguished 17-year international career. The Georgian Football Federation confirmed that Otar Kiteishvili will serve as vice-captain, with Otar Kakabadze as the second vice-captain. This leadership structure is set to take effect starting in June 2026.
A Veteran Steps Down
Guram Kashia, a defender currently playing for Slovan Bratislava, announced his retirement with emotion, reflecting on his long and fulfilling career with the national team. “At 38 years old, the time has reach to warmly thank you and inform you of the end of my 17-year international career,” Kashia stated, according to the Georgian Football Federation. “This football journey has been long, exciting and full of memories. I am happy to have served my country for many years and to have represented a sport loved around the world.”
Kashia’s departure leaves a void in the Georgian squad, but the appointment of Kvaratskhelia signals a clear vision for the future. The transition aims to build upon the momentum generated by Georgia’s recent qualification for the knockout stages of UEFA EURO 2024 – a historic achievement for the nation.
“We Must Fight For Each Other”
Despite having previously captained the national team on only three occasions, Kvaratskhelia expressed his commitment to leading his country with humility and a team-first mentality. “For me, every football player is a captain, the essential thing is to fight for each other,” Kvaratskhelia said in a video released by the Georgian national team. This sentiment underscores his belief in collective responsibility and unity within the squad.
Kvaratskhelia’s rise to prominence has been rapid. Since making his debut for Georgia in 2019, he has amassed 47 appearances, scoring 20 goals. His performances have consistently drawn praise, establishing him as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. His current form with Paris Saint-Germain further solidifies his position as a key player for both club and country.
The appointment is as well viewed positively within PSG, with the club recognizing the increased responsibility bestowed upon their forward at the international level. Kvaratskhelia joins teammates Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi as PSG players who also captain their respective national teams, highlighting the club’s strong international presence.
Although Georgia will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the upcoming friendlies against Israel and Lithuania provide valuable opportunities for Kvaratskhelia to lead the team and build cohesion ahead of future qualifying campaigns. These matches will be crucial in assessing the team’s progress and implementing new strategies under the leadership of head coach Willy Sagnol.
Kvaratskhelia’s journey from Dinamo Tbilisi to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his talent and dedication. His appointment as captain of the Georgian national team represents not only a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the country. The focus now shifts to building a strong and competitive team capable of consistently challenging on the international stage.
The Georgian Football Federation’s decision reflects a belief in Kvaratskhelia’s ability to inspire and unite the team. As he prepares to lead his nation into a new era, all eyes will be on the PSG star to see how he embraces this new challenge and guides Georgia towards future success.
Next up for Kvaratskhelia and the Georgian national team are the friendly matches against Israel on March 26th and Lithuania on March 29th. These games will provide a first glimpse of the team under Kvaratskhelia’s captaincy and offer valuable preparation for upcoming qualifying campaigns. Fans can follow updates and match details on the official Georgian Football Federation website.
