Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger who once played in Russia, is now a global football star, potentially on the verge of winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his talent and dedication.

Kvaratskhelia’s career began in his native Georgia, playing for the youth teams of Tbilisi Dynamo and later for Rustavi. His talent caught the eye of scouts from Moscow Lokomotiv, who brought him to Russia on loan in 2019. Despite initial reservations about leaving Georgia, Kvaratskhelia recognized the opportunity for both footballing and financial advancement, using his first salary to support his father’s medical treatment.

Life at Lokomotiv’s training base in Bakovka was challenging, with Kvaratskhelia dedicating himself entirely to football. He trained tirelessly, even at night without proper lighting, driven by his passion for the game. His hard work quickly paid off, as he made his debut in the Russian Premier League (RPL) and scored his first goal for Lokomotiv.

However, his time at Lokomotiv was short-lived. Unable to agree on a permanent contract, Kvaratskhelia moved to Rubin Kazan, where he blossomed into a first-team regular. Under coach Leonid Slutsky, he honed his skills, becoming known for his exceptional dribbling abilities. Despite occasional criticism for holding onto the ball for too long, Kvaratskhelia emerged as one of the league’s most promising young players.

Following the events of February 2022, Kvaratskhelia left Russia and returned to Georgia, joining Dinamo Batumi. This move proved to be a stepping stone to Europe, as he signed with Napoli in July 2022. In Naples, Kvaratskhelia’s career skyrocketed. Playing under coach Luciano Spalletti, he quickly established himself as a key player, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Victor Osimhen.

Kvaratskhelia’s stellar performances led Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990, earning him the Serie A MVP award and the nickname “Kvaradona” in honor of Diego Maradona. He also excelled in the Champions League, becoming one of the competition’s best young players.

In the summer of 2024, Kvaratskhelia played a pivotal role in Georgia’s historic participation in their first European Championship. He scored the opening goal in a crucial match against Portugal, helping his team secure a place in the knockout stages.

In January 2025, Kvaratskhelia joined PSG for a reported 70 million euros. He quickly integrated into the team, contributing to their success in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Now, he stands on the cusp of Champions League glory, with PSG set to face Inter Milan in the final.