Jano Ananidze

Jano Ananidze (ჯანო ანანიძე, ; born 10 October 1992) is a Georgian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Spartak Moscow
Ananidze appeared in Spartak Moscow colours in spring of 2009, initially playing for its junior's team, scoring four goals in twelve games. During the midseason break Valery Karpin moved Ananidze from juniors into the main team, then on a training tour in Austria. Ananidze debuted in Russian Cup on 15 July 2009, scoring a goal against first division Krasnodar. On 1 August 2009, Ananidze debuted in regular 2009 Russian Premier League championship, substituting Alex in the 69th minute of the game.

On 18 October 2009, he became the youngest player ever to score a goal in the Russian Premier League when he scored for Spartak Moscow against Lokomotiv Moscow at the age of 17 years and 8 days.

After a successful ending of his debut season, Jano was on the radar of Arsenal, Milan and Juventus. Spartak Moscow sporting director Dmitri Popov insisted the club would not listen to offers until Ananidze was at least in his 20s.

In September 2012, before the 2014 World Cup qualification match against Spain, Iker Casillas named Ananidze as one of the key players of the Georgia national team alongside the keeper Giorgi Loria.

On 21 January 2020, his contract with Spartak was terminated by mutual consent, 13 years after he originally joined the club's academy.

FC Rostov
On 3 July 2013, he went on a one-year loan to FC Rostov.

Krylia Sovetov Samara
On 13 January 2019, he joined Krylia Sovetov Samara on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season.

Rotor Volgograd
On 6 August 2020, he returned to Russian Premier League and signed with Rotor Volgograd. His Rotor contract was terminated by mutual consent on 12 September 2020 due to a knee injury.

Dinamo Tbilisi
On 29 April 2021, Ananidze returned to his native Georgia, joining Dinamo Tbilisi on a one-year contract, with the option of an additional year. On 3 December 2021, Dinamo Tbilisi announced the departure of Ananidze after playing only 26 minutes for the club.

In April 2022, Jano announced his retirement ended his career due to multiple injuries. For the last three months he played in Dinamo Batumi and during this period he appeared on the field for only 122 minutes in total.

International career
In March 2009 UEFA web site listed Ananidze as one of three "key players" of Georgian U-17 team along with Nika Dzalamidze and Irakli Shekiladze. In July 2009 Ananidze received and accepted Héctor Cúper's invitation to the Georgia national team. Ananidze told Russian media "don't worry about me. I made my choice. I am a Georgian and I will play for my country." ("переживать не стоит. Я сделал свой выбор. Я грузин и буду играть за сборную своей страны").

He made his debut for Georgia in a 2–0 home defeat by Italy on 5 September 2009. He scored his first goal against Slovenia in Koper on 17 November 2010. Then he scored against Moldova from the penalty spot and Georgia won this match 2–0 on 11 November 2011.

International

 * Scores and results list Georgia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ananidze goal.

Honours
Spartak Moscow
 * Russian Premier League: 2016–17
 * Russian Super Cup: 2017

Rostov
 * Russian Cup: 2013–14

Dinamo Batumi
 * Georgian Super Cup: 2022