Former Manchester City footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili is making a big career change by running for the presidency of Georgia. The 53-year-old, who played for City from 1995 to 1997, is best known for scoring on his debut against Manchester United in April 1996. This goal came in a 3-2 loss at Maine Road, just before City was relegated from the Premier League under manager Alan Ball. Kavelashvili scored two more goals for City in the First Division, helping the team finish 14th. Unfortunately, he did not play enough matches to extend his work permit and was eventually loaned out to Grasshoppers in Switzerland before leaving permanently the following summer.
Kavelashvili is following in the footsteps of other former footballers in Georgia who have entered politics. Kakha Kaladze, a former AC Milan player who won the Champions League twice, has been serving as the mayor of Tbilisi since 2017. Another former player, Levan Kobiashvili, now holds a seat in the Georgian parliament. Kavelashvili’s move from football to politics reflects a trend of athletes transitioning to public service in Georgia.
During his time at Manchester City, Kavelashvili was signed in a last-ditch effort to avoid relegation. Despite earning seven points in their final three games, the team was unable to escape relegation on goal difference after a poor start to the season. Kavelashvili’s brief stint at City was part of a challenging period for the club, but he made a lasting impact with his performance on the field.
In Georgia, the role of president is largely ceremonial, with the real power lying in the hands of the parliament controlled by Kavelashvili’s party, Georgian Dream. While Kavelashvili’s transition from football to politics may come as a surprise to some, it demonstrates the diverse paths that former athletes can take after their playing careers.
Kavelashvili’s decision to run for president highlights the potential for individuals with sporting backgrounds to make a difference in the political arena. By leveraging his experience as a professional footballer and his subsequent involvement in public service, Kavelashvili brings a unique perspective to the realm of politics in Georgia. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Kavelashvili’s journey from the football pitch to political leadership serves as an inspiring example of personal growth and civic engagement.
