Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has suffered a sharp and unexpected decline

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, widely viewed as a Ballon d’Or contender after last season’s Champions League heroics, has suffered a sharp and unexpected decline. His missed penalty against Northern Ireland not only cost Georgia a crucial Nations League result but indirectly preceded Willy Sagnol’s dismissal. Despite scoring the Super Cup winner for Paris Saint‑Germain, his league form has collapsed: no goals in five appearances and a single assist in a home defeat to Monaco.

Luis Enrique has repeatedly substituted him early, frustrated by his predictable dribbling and rising turnovers. He was even left out entirely in PSG’s 6‑1 win over Slovan Bratislava, with understudy Mika Godts preferred. The Georgian captain’s struggles have carried into international duty, where his tame penalty summed up a worrying loss of confidence.

Georgia now begin again under Ramaz Svanadze, needing their star to rediscover his spark. Against Ukraine in Tbilisi, both the crowd and the team will look to Kvaratskhelia for revival.