Kakha Kaladze

Kakha Kaladze, born on February twenty-seventh, nineteen seventy-eight, is a prominent Georgian politician and former professional footballer. He has held the position of Mayor of Tbilisi since November two thousand seventeen, showcasing his commitment to public service. Kaladze's football career began in nineteen ninety-three with Dinamo Tbilisi, where he made eighty-two appearances over five years. His versatility on the field allowed him to excel as a centre-back, left-back, and even as a wide midfielder.

Kaladze's international career with the Georgia national team spanned from nineteen ninety-six to two thousand eleven, during which he earned eighty-four caps and captained the team fifty times. He was recognized as Georgian Footballer of the Year multiple times, solidifying his status as one of the nation's most significant players. His club career included stints at Dynamo Kyiv and AC Milan, where he won numerous titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies.

Born in Samtredia, Kakha comes from a footballing lineage, with his father having played for Lokomotiv Samtredia. His family faced tragedy when his brother was kidnapped in two thousand one and later declared dead in two thousand six. Beyond football, Kaladze is an entrepreneur, owning Kala Capital and the Kala Foundation, and he serves as an ambassador for SOS Children's Villages. He is married to Anouki Areshidze, and together they have four children.

Kaladze's political journey began with the Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia party, where he was elected to the Parliament in October two thousand twelve. He served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy before resigning in July two thousand seventeen to run for mayor. His electoral success continued with a reelection in two thousand twenty-one, where he garnered fifty-five point sixty-one percent of the vote in the second round. His dedication to public service and leadership in Tbilisi remains a testament to his commitment to his country.