Solomon Kvirkvelia

Solomon "Saba" Kvirkvelia  (სოლომონ "საბა" კვირკველია, ; born 6 February 1992) is a Georgian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Okhdood and the Georgia national team.

He has been twice named as Footballer of the Year in Georgia.

Rubin Kazan
After spending a season with Zenit Saint Petersburg, Kvirkvelia joined another Russian club, Rubin Kazan in 2011. He made his Russian Premier League debut for Rubin Kazan on 22 July 2011 in a game against FC Terek Grozny.

Lokomotiv Moscow
In February 2017, Rubin Kazan and Lokomotiv Moscow agreed a loan deal for Kvirkvelia until the end of the 2016–17 season. Kvirkvelia became a regular member of the team, participating 12 games until the end of the 2016–17 season. Lokomotiv won Russian Cup during this season, which was the first title for the Georgian with his new club.

On 30 June 2017, he moved to Lokomotiv on a permanent basis, signing a four-year contract.

Loan to Rotor Volgograd
On 20 August 2020, he joined Rotor Volgograd on loan for the 2020–21 season.

Move to Ukraine
In October 2021, Kvirkvelia moved to the Ukrainian Premier League side Metalist 1925, although his tenure was abruptly ended due to Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Gagra
On 8 April 2022, Kvirkvelia returned to Georgia and signed with Gagra, the first Georgian club in his career.

Neftçi
On 4 July 2022, Neftçi announced the signing of Kvirkvelia on a two-year contract. On 16 July 2023, Kvirkvelia left Neftçi after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.

Al-Okhdood
On 15 July 2023, Kvirkvelia joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Okhdood on a free transfer.

International career
On an international level, he debuted for Georgia in a friendly match against Liechtenstein on 5 March 2014.

In 2011–13, Kvirkvelia was repeatedly called up to the U21 team. Having participated in 14 competitive games, he is among the five all-time most capped players.

Honours
Rubin Kazan
 * Russian Cup: 2011–12

Lokomotiv Moscow
 * Russian Premier League: 2017–18
 * Russian Cup: 2016–17, 2018–19

Individual
 * Georgian Footballer of the Year: 2014, 2017