A new chapter is unfolding in Georgian football. This September, the national team enters the 2026 World Cup qualifiers — a campaign shaped by momentum, following Georgia’s historic debut at the European Championship. Anticipation is high, and for one young player, the stage is set for a personal debut of his own. Giorgi Gagua, a 23-year-old forward, has just received his first call-up to the senior squad from head coach Willy Sagnol.
Gagua’s relationship with the sport began early. He started playing at the age of four, and it didn’t take long for his talent and focus to catch attention. By 2019, he had signed with Spanish club Deportivo Alavés. Today, he plays in Croatia for NK Istra 1961 — and he’s arriving to the national team with quiet determination and a clear sense of purpose.
In this interview with The Diary, Gagua reflects on the emotions behind his national team call-up, the discipline it takes to play abroad, and his ultimate ambition: the Ballon d’Or.
When asked about his first reaction to the call-up, he answers with calm honesty:
“It might sound simple, but it really was indescribable. Since I first started playing, this has always been the dream — to represent Georgia at the national level.”
One of the most defining moments of his career came two years ago, during the U21 European Championship.
“I scored Georgia’s first-ever goal in the tournament — against Portugal. It was my first time playing in front of such a large crowd, against top-tier teams. That experience changed me. It was the start of becoming a higher-level player.”
His perspective on professional football is shaped by experience across systems. Gagua speaks openly about the challenges Georgian players face abroad.
“No matter where you go in Europe, local players are always prioritized. That’s the reality. So you have to be significantly better — not just technically, but physically and mentally too.”
He adds that discipline is just as essential as skill: “As a professional, the way you take care of your body matters. Everything you do comes back to you — and you need to be prepared for every match, every moment.”
Gagua describes his playing style without embellishment: “I’m a forward, and I do a lot of the heavy work — pressing, holding the ball, sometimes physical battles. I’d say my style is combative. I approach the game like a fighter.”
But while the path may be steep, he believes Georgian football is evolving in real time.
“Things are changing in our academies. We’re already seeing young Georgian players joining top teams, and interest in our football is growing. That momentum will only continue.”
“My long-term goal is to win the Ballon d’Or”
As for what lies ahead — both in the near term and the years to come — Gagua is clear.
“My long-term goal is to win the Ballon d’Or. That’s the dream I’m working toward. But right now, my focus is on September. We have crucial matches with the national team, and I want to give everything I have to help Georgia reach the World Cup for the first time.”
The road ahead may be long, but Giorgi Gagua is already in motion — and fully aware of what it means to carry a dream onto the world stage.
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