Gia Guruli Former Soviet and Georgian football player, striker Date of Birth: 20.05.1964 Country: Georgia

1. Early Life and Career
2. Success in the Soviet League
3. Georgian Championship Victory
4. European Adventures
5. International Career
6. Coaching and Beyond
7. Legacy and Family

Early Life and Career

Born in Chiatura, Georgia, on September 22, 1960, Georgi Guruli started playing football in 1973, under the guidance of coaches Z. Baratashvili and G. Tsiklouri. He made his debut in the second league with Dinamo Batumi before moving to the top-tier Dinamo Tbilisi in 1982.

Success in the Soviet League

Guruli played for Dinamo Tbilisi from 1982 to 1988, making 105 appearances and scoring 19 goals in the Soviet Championships. He was awarded the Master of Sports of the USSR title in 1986.

Georgian Championship Victory

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Guruli moved to Iveria Tbilisi (the new name for Dinamo Tbilisi) and helped them win the inaugural Georgian Championship in 1990. He was joint top scorer that season with 23 goals.

European Adventures

Guruli embarked on a European journey, playing for Polish club Katowice in 1990/91, French clubs Havre in 1992/93 and 1993/94, and Dunkerque in 1994/95 and 1995/96.

International Career

Guruli represented the USSR youth team and made three appearances for the Georgian national team.

Coaching and Beyond

After retiring from playing, Guruli became a licensed FIFA agent and was instrumental in bringing Alain Giresse as the head coach of the Georgian national team. He also served as Giresse's assistant coach from 2004 to 2005.

Legacy and Family

Known for his technical skill and ball control, Georgi Guruli is the father of fellow footballer Alexander Guruli. He graduated from the Georgian State Institute of Physical Culture in 1985.