The Rising Influence of French Football in Georgia

French football’s top division, Ligue 1, has seen a significant surge in popularity in Georgia, according to recent reports from league officials. This increase in interest can be largely attributed to the success of Georgian players in the league and high-profile transfers involving Georgian talent.

Several Georgian players have made their mark in Ligue 1 recently. Georges Mikautadze, born in Lyon but of Georgian descent, has become a prominent figure in the league. After a successful stint with FC Metz in Ligue 2 and a brief spell at Ajax, Mikautadze returned to France, eventually joining Olympique Lyonnais. Despite a slow start, he has now found his form, contributing an impressive 13 goals and 8 assists across all competitions.

Another Georgian star, Zuriko Davitashvili, began his Ligue 1 journey with Girondins de Bordeaux. He has since moved to AS Saint-Étienne, where he has been instrumental in the team’s fight for survival, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists this season.

The most notable Georgian player, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, recently made headlines with a €70 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli. Since joining PSG in January, Kvaratskhelia has made 14 appearances and played a crucial role in the club’s UEFA Champions League campaign.

This influx of Georgian talent into Ligue 1 has created a surge of interest in French football within Georgia. League officials report that Ligue 1 is close to becoming the most-watched foreign league in the country, thanks to its targeted approach to the Georgian market and the recent high-profile transfers.

The success of these Georgian players in France has sparked excitement among football fans in Georgia, leading to increased viewership and engagement with Ligue 1 content. This growing interest represents a significant opportunity for the French league to expand its international audience and solidify its position as a top destination for emerging football talent.