Lasha Jacobiya Georgian footballer, forward. Last club: Hoverla-Zakarpattia. Date of Birth: 20.08.1980 Country: Georgia

1. Early Career
2. Breakthrough at Standard Liège
3. Injury Setbacks
4. Struggle with Injuries
5. PSG and Subsequent Loans
6. Later Career
7. National Team and Legacy

Early Career

Lasha Jakobeli, a Georgian striker, began his football journey at FC Maisi, where he trained alongside other promising young players like Burduli and Khizanishvili. For nine years, they honed their skills together and developed close family ties.

Breakthrough at Standard Liège

Jakobeli's talent caught the attention of Roger Angotè, a renowned agent who brokered his transfer to Belgian club Standard Liège. Despite communication challenges and an adjustment period, Jakobeli made an impressive debut with the club's second team. He quickly rose to train with the first team, making several appearances.

Injury Setbacks

However, high competition and a series of injuries prevented Jakobeli from establishing himself in Standard Liège. After undergoing his first surgery, he was loaned to Wezel-Sport. During his time there, he regained his scoring touch, notching 14 goals in as many matches.

Struggle with Injuries

Jakobeli's misfortune continued when he signed for Aaalst in the Belgian top flight. During his first training session, he re-injured his adductor muscle, leading to a second surgery and a six-month layoff. After returning to action and scoring against Genk, he suffered the same injury again, resulting in a ten-month recovery period.

PSG and Subsequent Loans

Angotè arranged for Jakobeli's rights to be transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where they hoped to rehabilitate his career. He was sent to PSG's farm club, RFC Liège, for further treatment. After enduring chronic injury problems, representatives from PSG advised Jakobeli to continue playing with RFC Liège and eventually join their ranks. Unfortunately, due to his injuries, he never made an appearance for PSG.

Later Career

Jakobeli returned to Georgia, playing for FC Tbilisi and FC Dinamo Tbilisi. Despite relentless efforts to regain his fitness, the lingering effects of his injuries made it difficult to perform at his best. He briefly found hope on loan at Greek club PAS Giannina before being scouted by FC Metalist Kharkiv under coach Gennadiy Lytovchenko.

National Team and Legacy

Jakobeli received his first call-up to the Georgian national team in 2004 and made 13 appearances, scoring one goal. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Gia Jakobeli, who played for FC Dinamo Tbilisi.