Kvaratskhelia Named Georgia National Team Captain as Kashia Retires
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been appointed captain of the Georgian national football team, with Otar Kiteishvili named as vice-captain, the national team announced on social media. This announcement follows the retirement of long-time captain Guram Kashia.
End of an Era: Kashia Steps Down
On March 23rd, Guram Kashia, 38, announced his departure from the national team after 17 years of service. He will make his final appearance in a friendly match against Romania in June. Kashia holds the record for most appearances for Georgia, with 124 caps and 3 goals as of 2025.
Upcoming Matches for Georgia
The Georgian national team faces a busy schedule, with upcoming matches against Israel on March 26th in Tbilisi and Lithuania on March 29th in Kaunas.
Kvaratskhelia’s Rise to Prominence
Kvaratskhelia’s appointment comes on the heels of a successful transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in January 2025. With PSG, he has achieved significant success, winning the Champions League, the French Championship, and the French Cup. Prior to securing these titles, Kvaratskhelia reached the finals of the Champions League and the French Cup, and also won Ligue 1.
“Five months after the transfer of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reached the final of the Champions League.”
Kashia’s Legacy
Guram Kashia began his career at Dinamo Tbilisi before moving to Vitesse Arnhem in 2010. He spent eight seasons with Vitesse, making 292 appearances and scoring 24 goals, winning the KNVB Cup in 2017. He also played for Gent, San Jose Earthquakes, and Slovan Bratislava, contributing to four Slovak league titles. He was named Georgian Footballer of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
Kashia is also known for his advocacy. In October 2017, although captaining Vitesse, he wore a rainbow armband during a match to support LGBT inclusion, earning him UEFA’s #EqualGame award in 2018.
FAQ
- Who is the new captain of the Georgian national team? Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
- Who is the vice-captain? Otar Kiteishvili.
- How many caps did Guram Kashia earn for Georgia? 124 caps as of 2025.
- What trophies has Kvaratskhelia won with PSG? The Champions League, the French Championship, and the French Cup.
The transition in leadership marks a new chapter for Georgian football, with Kvaratskhelia poised to lead the team into a promising future.