Georgian former Man City player Mikheil Kavelashvili is currently leading the race to become his country’s next president.
With the political situation in the former Soviet nation extremely volatile, tensions are high in Georgia.
This year’s elections are seen by many as the most important the country has held in years.
But some may be surprised to learn who is leading the presidential race at the moment.
The ruling party in Georgia, known as “Power of the People” in English, has nominated former Manchester City striker Mikheil Kavelashvili.
For the first time, this year’s Georgian president will be elected not by popular vote, but by a college of 300 delegates.
While Kavelashvili’s party hopes for him to be elected on 14 December, opponents have been heavily critical.
The legitimacy of the Georgian parliamentary elections, which took place recently, have been challenged in court and the results are strongly disputed.
The Career Of Georgian Man City Player Turned Politician
Mikheil Kavelashvili’s career in England was by no means a memorable one.
He joined City in January 1996 from Dinamo Tbilisi, but failed to make an impression.
The Georgian scored three goals for City in 28 total appearances, playing only four times in the Premier League.
He did manage to play 24 times after City’s relegation to the Championship, but was sold the following July to Swiss side Grasshoppers.
In Switzerland, Kavelashvili actually enjoyed a somewhat successful career. He played for Zurich, Aarau, Luzern, and Basel.
He also played 46 times for the Georgian national team, scoring nine goals.
Retiring from football in 2009, the now 53-year-old has successfully transitioned into politics back home in Georgia.
He joined the Georgian Dream party, and was elected to parliament in 2016. Kavelashvili would then leave to co-found his current party, “Power of the People”.
