The streets of Tbilisi are buzzing with excitement as they watch Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who locals call “special”, attempt to win a second straight Champions League. The PSG winger’s success inspires pride in the community where he grew up. There is anticipation regarding how far his stardom can reach, with many wondering if he could win the Ballon d’Or in October.
A Childhood Dream Within Reach
Giorgi Bliadze, a childhood friend and former classmate of Kvaratskhelia, shared his thoughts. “It would be a dream come true as much for me as it would for him,” he said. “It would mean seeing the same dream we spoke about as kids become reality … proof that dedication and childhood ambition can turn into history.”
The possibility of Kvaratskhelia winning the Ballon d’Or extends beyond individual achievement for Bliadze. “It would also be a huge moment of pride for our whole neighbourhood,” he says. “Ever since seeing him in those cages, everyone knew he was going to become something special. The whole community has been waiting for his success.”
National Pride Rides on Kvaratskhelia’s Success
Tengiz, a long-time resident of the area, expressed his enthusiasm. “Out of millions of people, it’s fate that our neighbour is better than them all.”
Tengiz reflected on Georgia’s history, recalling Dinamo Tbilisi’s 1981 Cup Winners’ Cup victory. “Back then it took a whole team to put Georgia on the map,” he says. “Now just one man can do it. It is unbelievable.”
Kvaratskhelia: A Symbol of Georgia
To grasp Georgia’s eagerness for Kvaratskhelia to win the Ballon d’Or, understanding the country is essential. Georgia has a population of 3.9 million. Kvaratskhelia’s rise surpasses football in a nation younger than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Georgians view him as a representative of the country, not just a footballer. His global success mirrors the nation, similar to Luka Modric’s importance in Croatia or Mohamed Salah’s in Egypt.
- Children in Tbilisi play football, shouting “Kvaraaaa!”
- They wear replica shirts bearing his name.
- The community is waiting to see if he wins the Ballon d’Or.
A Revolutionary Figure in Georgian Football
Tsotne Kinkladze, who played with Kvaratskhelia in the Dinamo academy and is now a football pundit, sees him as transformative. “He is the revolutionary of Georgian football,” Kinkladze said. “Imagine how much his success has already changed the country. Now imagine what would happen if he became the best player in the world. That is the level of impact and achievement he has.
Kvaratskhelia is scheduled to play for Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal in Budapest on Saturday.