From Georgia to Glory: The Rise of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
PARIS — Long before he became one of Europe’s most feared attackers, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was just a teenager running alone in the darkness of Moscow training grounds, chasing a dream bigger than himself.
Today, the Georgian star is a UEFA Champions League winner, a treble champion with Paris Saint-Germain and one of the faces of modern football.
Training Alone in the Dark
At only 17 years old, Kvaratskhelia left Georgia for Russia after joining Lokomotiv Moscow. The move was difficult. Far from home and family, he stayed at the club’s training center while many teammates returned home after sessions.
Determined to improve, “Kvara” often trained alone late at night.
Speaking to The Players’ Tribune, the winger revealed that he would sneak onto the pitch after everyone had gone to sleep.
“At night, while everyone else slept, I trained alone in the dark.”
Security guards would sometimes spot him and shout, wondering who was still running on the field at such hours.
Those lonely sessions shaped the fearless player football fans see today.
Inspired by Diego Maradona
Football was always part of Kvaratskhelia’s life. His father, Badri Kvaratskhelia, was also a professional footballer and introduced him to the magic of Diego Maradona from an early age.
That connection made his move to SSC Napoli in 2022 feel almost destined.
In Naples, Kvaratskhelia quickly became a fan favorite. Alongside Victor Osimhen, he formed one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking partnerships and helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years.
He also inspired Georgia to qualify for their first-ever European Championship, cementing his place as a national hero.
Becoming a Superstar at PSG
If Naples introduced Kvaratskhelia to the world, Paris turned him into a global superstar.
Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025, the winger has continued his rise at the highest level of football.
In just 18 months, he has:
- Won the UEFA Champions League
- Helped PSG secure a historic treble
- Established himself among the best players in Europe
- Registered 10 goals in the 2025/26 Champions League campaign
As of May 2026, Kvaratskhelia also played a key role in PSG’s semi-final clash against FC Bayern Munich, assisting the opening goal to help send the French giants into the final against Arsenal FC in Budapest.
From the Shadows to the Spotlight
From training alone in the dark to shining on football’s biggest stage, Kvaratskhelia’s story is one of sacrifice, discipline and belief.
The boy who once chased perfection under Moscow’s night sky has now become one of the brightest stars in world football.
