Jaba Dvali

Jaba Dvali (; 8 February 1985 – 3 June 2026) was a Georgian football player and manager.

Dvali played in three countries as a forward. He was the four-time winner of the national league and two-time winner of the Georgian Cup. Dvali was a main goalscorer at Zestaponi during their "golden time" when the club twice in a row won the national league. He was also a member of the 100 club of Georgian players with a hundred and more goals.

Twice, in 2005–06 and 2011–12, Dvali finished the Umaglesi Liga seasons as a topscorer.

Career Dvali started his professional career at Dinamo Tbilisi. After being loaned to three clubs, he moved to Moldovan side Dacia Chișinău.

He spent three prolific seasons at Zestaponi during the height of their success in the early 2010s. Dvali personally played a vital role in the club. He became a top goalscorer of the league in 2011–12.

In 2012, Dvali made his only appearance for the Georgia national team in a home friendly game against Egypt.

While at Dinamo Tbilisi, Dvali scored his 100th goal in the top division against Torpedo Kutaisi on 4 May 2013, entering the topscorers' club.

In January 2014, Dvali agreed to join Azerbaijan Premier League side FK Qarabağ on a six-month loan deal. In June 2014, at the end of Dvali's loan deal with Qarabağ, he signed a two-year contract with Zestaponi in Georgia. In December 2014, Dvali signed two-year contract with Dacia Chișinău which came into force on 20 January 2015.

Between 2015 and 2019 Dvali played for five domestic clubs. Especially noteworthy during these short-term stints was his great contribution to Sioni's promotion to the Erovnuli Liga, including in a 3–2 play-off victory over Dinamo Batumi where Dvali scored a hat-trick.

In March 2020, Dvali returned to football after a year-long pause as director general of Zestaponi. At one point in 2021, when this fourth-tier club was plagued with injuries and suspensions, he appeared in the starting line-up and even scored from the penalty spot.

Along with the management at the club, Dvali also took charge of the Zestaponi youth academy.

On 22 October 2025, 40-year-old Dvali scored the last goal of his career as Zestaponi secured an away win over Gagra-2 before their relegation from Liga 4. Death Dvali died following a heart attack on 3 June 2026, at the age of 41.

Career statistics

Honours Dinamo Tbilisi Umaglesi Liga: 2004–05, 2012–13 Georgian Cup: 2003–04 Georgian Super Cup runner-up: 2013–14

Zestaponi Umaglesi Liga: 2010–11, 2011–12 Georgian Cup: 2012–13; runner-up 2011–12 Georgian Super Cup: 2011–12

Dacia Chișinău Moldovan National Division runner-up: 2007–08, 2008–09 Moldovan Cup runner-up: 2008–09

Qarabağ Azerbaijan Premier League: 2013–14

Individual Umaglesi Liga top scorer: 2005–06 (21 goals), 2011–12 (20 goals) Author of first UEFA Europa League hat-trick