Konstantin Maradishvili, a midfielder who has been part of Lokomotiv Moscow, has received his Georgian passport. The news emerged through the Georgia-focused football outlet Georgian Footy on Twitter, signaling a potential shift in his international eligibility and career trajectory for national team duties. The next step in this process involves clearance from FIFA, the global governing body of football, which would allow him to represent Georgia in international competition if approved. In the meantime, the player remains aligned with Lokomotiv, balancing club commitments and the possibility of stepping onto the international stage for Georgia in the near future.
During the 2022/23 campaign, Maradishvili appeared 26 times across all competitions for Lokomotiv, contributing two goals and delivering five decisive passes. This level of involvement showcased his growing contribution in the midfield, where he could influence both tempo and attack. In the current Russian Premier League season, the midfielder has already featured in at least one league fixture, scoring a goal and demonstrating an ability to impact matches when on the field. His market value has been estimated at around 1.8 million euros by transfer market researchers, reflecting a recognition of his potential in domestic and international markets.
March reports from RB Sport indicated that the 23-year-old talent is nearing the final steps to obtain Georgian citizenship, raising expectations about his possible role with the Georgian national team in the near term. The nationality switch would open doors for him to compete on the international stage, where Georgia continues to cultivate a pool of players plying their trade across Europe and offering depth in midfield and other positions. The development is being watched by fans who hope to see Maradishvili bring his club experience to the national squad if FIFA grants the necessary approval.
It is noted that Maradishvili has trained within the Russia youth teams structure, having not yet appeared for the Russia senior national team. The transition to Georgia would mark a new chapter, allowing him to contribute to the national program that aims to build a competitive side capable of making an impact in regional and continental competitions. Discussions around his eligibility and the timeline for a decision from FIFA are ongoing, as Georgia seeks to strengthen its midfield options with a player who has demonstrated versatility at the club level and possesses a ready-to-contribute mindset for international duties.
The broader context of this development involves several factors, including the ongoing management of player eligibility rules and the strategic decisions national associations make when a player holds multiple citizenships and professional commitments abroad. The potential addition of Maradishvili to Georgia’s ranks would be part of a larger trend where nations look to bring in players who have developed with strong league experience and can adapt quickly to international competition. Observers note that his club form in the Russian league aligns with the technical and tactical demands of national team play, where midfielders are often tasked with maintaining possession, distributing the ball with accuracy, and providing supporting runs to unlock compact defenses. The situation remains fluid as FIFA assesses the documentation and the implications for international rosters, with timelines that can hinge on paperwork and regulatory considerations rather than on-field performance alone. In the meantime, Maradishvili continues to train with Lokomotiv, contributing when selected and remaining a potential piece in Georgia’s evolving plans for midfield depth and creative options on the international stage.