Births on February 27

Kakha Kaladze, Georgian footballer and politician

Kakhaber "Kakha" Kaladze, born on February 27, 1978, in Samtredia, Georgia, is a figure who has achieved remarkable success across two vastly different, yet equally demanding, public arenas: professional football and high-level politics. Pronounced [kʼaxabɛr kʼalad͡zɛ], Kaladze transitioned from a celebrated international footballer to a prominent Georgian politician, currently serving as the Mayor of Tbilisi since November 2017. His career exemplifies a rare blend of athletic prowess and civic leadership, marking him as one of Georgia's most recognizable and influential personalities.

From Samtredia to Stardom: Early Football Years

Born into a footballing family in the town of Samtredia, located in Georgia’s Imereti Province, young Kakha was destined for the pitch. His father, a former player for Lokomotivi Samtredia, also served as the club's president for a period, undoubtedly instilling a passion for the sport in his son from a tender age. Kaladze's professional journey began in 1993 at the tender age of 15, when he joined the prestigious Georgian Umaglesi Liga club, Dinamo Tbilisi. During his five-year tenure with the club, he made 82 appearances, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and formidable defender. His early years in Tbilisi laid the groundwork for a career that would soon take him far beyond the borders of his homeland.

European Glory: Ukraine and AC Milan

Kaladze's talent did not go unnoticed on the international stage. In 1998, he made a significant move to the Ukrainian powerhouse, Dynamo Kyiv, where he continued to hone his skills and gain valuable experience in European competitions. Across 71 appearances for Kyiv, he helped secure three Ukrainian Premier League titles, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier defender. This period proved to be a crucial stepping stone to one of Europe's most elite leagues. In 2001, Kaladze's career reached an undeniable peak when he was signed by Italian Serie A giants, AC Milan. It was with Milan that he truly carved out his legend, demonstrating incredible versatility by adeptly playing as a centre-back, a left-back, or even a wide midfielder. Over his illustrious spell with the Rossoneri, Kaladze played a pivotal role in securing one Serie A title, but more significantly, he lifted the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy on two separate occasions. His time at Milan also saw him clinch the UEFA Super Cup once and the FIFA Club World Cup once, making him one of Georgia's most decorated footballers on the global stage. These triumphs solidified his status as an indispensable part of Milan's golden era.

A Pillar of the Georgian National Team

Beyond his club success, Kaladze was a cornerstone of the Georgia national team for well over a decade. From 1996 to 2011, he proudly represented his country, earning 84 caps and leading the team as captain in 50 of those appearances. His leadership, skill, and commitment earned him immense respect and numerous accolades back home. He was consistently recognized as one of Georgia's most important players, a testament to his consistent high-level performance. His individual brilliance was repeatedly acknowledged as he was voted Georgian Footballer of the Year an impressive five times: in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, and again in 2011, the very year he announced his retirement from international football on December 11, marking the end of an era for Georgian football.

Stepping onto the Political Field

Following a distinguished football career, Kaladze embarked on an equally ambitious journey into the world of politics, driven by a desire to serve his nation in a different capacity. In February 2012, he formally entered the political landscape as a key member of the opposition Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia party. This burgeoning political movement was founded by the influential businessman and former Prime Minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili. Kaladze’s popularity and respected public image quickly made him a significant asset to the party. On October 1, 2012, his political ambitions came to fruition when he was elected to the Parliament of Georgia. Just weeks later, on October 25, 2012, he was appointed to the crucial roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy within Ivanishvili's cabinet. His tenure in these powerful positions continued under the succeeding government led by Giorgi Kvirikashvili, demonstrating his sustained influence and importance within Georgian politics, until he resigned in July 2017 to pursue a new challenge.

Mayor of Tbilisi: A New Chapter

In July 2017, Kakha Kaladze took another bold step in his political career, resigning from his ministerial posts to run for the highest office in the nation's capital. As the Georgian Dream candidate for the Mayor of Tbilisi, he campaigned vigorously, leveraging his widespread appeal and a platform focused on urban development and improving the lives of Tbilisi's residents. His efforts were rewarded handsomely in the October 2017 election, where he secured a decisive victory with 51.13% of the vote. Since November 2017, he has served as the Mayor of Tbilisi, the vibrant heart of Georgia, where he continues to implement policies aimed at modernizing the city and enhancing its infrastructure, proving that his leadership capabilities extend far beyond the football pitch.

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Family Man: Life Beyond Public Service

Beyond his celebrated careers in football and politics, Kakha Kaladze has also made significant strides in the business and philanthropic sectors, revealing a multifaceted personality driven by diverse interests and a strong sense of social responsibility. He is the owner of Kala Capital, a successful investment company, and has also established the Kala Foundation, an organization dedicated to various charitable initiatives. Furthermore, his commitment to humanitarian causes is evident in his role as an ambassador for SOS Children's Villages, advocating for vulnerable children. On a personal note, Kaladze is a devoted family man. He is married to Anouki Areshidze, a well-known fashion designer, and together they have four children, building a robust family life amidst his demanding public roles. However, his personal life has also been marked by profound tragedy. In 2001, his brother was the victim of a high-profile kidnapping case that gripped the nation. After years of uncertainty, his brother was officially declared dead in 2006, a devastating event that led to two individuals being sentenced to a combined total of 30 years in prison for the crime. This deeply personal ordeal undoubtedly shaped his perspective and resolve, adding another layer to the complex and resilient public figure he is today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kakha Kaladze

Who is Kakhaber "Kakha" Kaladze?

Kakhaber "Kakha" Kaladze is a prominent Georgian figure who achieved international renown first as a highly successful professional footballer and later as a leading politician, currently serving as the Mayor of Tbilisi since 2017. He was born on February 27, 1978.

What are Kakha Kaladze's major football achievements?

As a footballer, Kaladze played for major clubs like Dinamo Tbilisi, Dynamo Kyiv, and most notably AC Milan. With Milan, he won the Serie A title once and the UEFA Champions League twice, along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He also secured three Ukrainian Premier League titles with Dynamo Kyiv and five Georgian Umaglesi Liga titles with Dinamo Tbilisi. He was a five-time Georgian Footballer of the Year.

When did Kakha Kaladze retire from football?

Kakha Kaladze officially announced his retirement from the Georgian national team on December 11, 2011, after captaining his country 50 times in 84 appearances. He concluded his club career shortly thereafter.

What political roles has Kakha Kaladze held?

Kaladze entered Georgian politics with the Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia party. He was elected to the Parliament of Georgia in 2012, then served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy from October 2012 until July 2017. Since November 2017, he has held the position of Mayor of Tbilisi.

What is known about Kakha Kaladze's personal life and other ventures?

Kaladze is married to Anouki Areshidze, and they have four children. He is also a successful entrepreneur, owning Kala Capital, and a philanthropist through his Kala Foundation and his role as an ambassador for SOS Children's Villages. His family faced a tragic high-profile kidnapping case involving his brother in 2001, who was later declared dead.