FootballerGeorgianSovietOlympic medalist

Aleksandre Chivadze

Aleksandre Chivadze is a distinguished Georgian former footballer, a defender for Dinamo Tbilisi and the Soviet Union, who later coached the Georgia national teams.

1. Early Life and Background

Aleksandre Chivadze was born on April 8, 1955, in Klukhori, which was then part of the Karachayevsk district in the Soviet Union. He stands at 6.0 ft (1.82 m) tall. Details about his early life and upbringing beyond his birthplace are not widely documented in available sources.

2. Playing Career

Aleksandre Chivadze enjoyed a long and successful professional playing career, primarily as a defender, before transitioning into coaching. His career spanned from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, marked by significant contributions at both club and international levels.

2.1. Club Career

Chivadze dedicated his entire club career to FC Dinamo Tbilisi, a prominent Georgian club, playing for them from 1974 until his retirement as a player in 1987. During his 13-year tenure with Dinamo Tbilisi, he became a central figure in their defense, making 324 appearances and 44 goals. His time at the club was highly successful, contributing to their most significant achievements, including winning the Soviet Top League and the Soviet Cup multiple times, and clinching a major European title.

2.2. International Career

Chivadze was a key player for the Soviet Union national football team from 1980 to 1987. He earned 46 caps and scored 3 goals during his international career. His contributions were instrumental in the team's participation in major international competitions. He was included in the Soviet Union squads for the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Notably, he captained the Soviet Union team during the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Prior to his senior team debut, Chivadze also achieved success with the Soviet Union U21 team, winning a significant youth tournament in 1980. He later represented the Soviet Union at the 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow, where the football team secured a bronze medal.

Chivadze in 1981
Chivadze in 1981

3. Managerial Career

Following his distinguished playing career, Aleksandre Chivadze transitioned into football management, taking on significant coaching roles for Georgian national teams at various levels.

3.1. Georgia National Team

Chivadze served as the head coach of the senior Georgia national team for two separate periods. His first tenure lasted from 1993 to 1997. After a break, he returned to lead the national team from 2001 to 2003. During these periods, he was responsible for guiding the nascent Georgian national team in its early years of international football following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

3.2. Georgia U21 National Team

On January 31, 2012, Chivadze was appointed as the head coach of the Georgia U21 national team. He held this position until 2016, working to develop young Georgian talent and prepare them for future senior national team representation.

4. Other Professional Activities

Beyond his direct involvement in playing and coaching, Aleksandre Chivadze has also held administrative roles within Georgian football. In 2015, he briefly served as the acting president of the Football Federation of Georgia (GFF).

5. Honours

Aleksandre Chivadze's career, both as a player and coach, was marked by numerous significant achievements and accolades.

5.1. Club Honours

With FC Dinamo Tbilisi:

  • Soviet Top League: 1978
  • Soviet Cup: 1976, 1979
  • UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1980-81

5.2. International Honours

With Soviet Union:

  • Summer Olympics Bronze Medal: 1980 Moscow

With Soviet Union U21:

  • U-21 UEFA Championship: 1980

5.3. Individual Honours

  • Soviet Footballer of the Year: 1980

6. Legacy and Evaluation

Aleksandre Chivadze's impact on football, particularly in Georgia and within the historical context of Soviet football, is considerable. His long and decorated playing career at Dinamo Tbilisi, culminating in domestic championships and a European Cup Winners' Cup, established him as one of the club's legends. His presence on the Soviet Union national team, including captaining the side at a World Cup and winning an Olympic medal, further solidified his reputation as a top-tier defender of his era. Post-playing, his commitment to Georgian football continued through his various coaching roles, guiding national teams during formative periods. Chivadze is remembered for his leadership, skill, and enduring contributions to the sport.