Saba Sazonov

Saba Andreyevich Sazonov (; ; born 1 February 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Getafe. Born in Russia, he plays for the Georgia national team internationally.

Early life His mother Nino Nishnianidze is a former professional Georgian volleyball player from Samtredia. She moved to Saint Petersburg where she met her Russian husband. During his childhood, Sazonov moved to Georgia and then back to Russia, to feel more comfortable with both countries' language and culture.

Club career Sazonov made his debut in the Russian Premier League for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg on 16 May 2021 in a game against FC Tambov. He was substituted on for Magomed Ozdoyev in the 76th minute.

In June 2021, he joined Dynamo Moscow on trial. On 9 July 2021, after impressing on trial, he signed a three-year contract with Dynamo.

On 31 August 2023, he signed for Serie A club Torino, becoming the third Georgian in the Serie A ahead the 2023–24 season.

Having taken part in 13 league matches for Torino, Sazonov signed a year-long loan contract with Empoli on 30 August 2024. Before he played any games for Empoli, he suffered an ACL tear in training, which eventually kept him out of play for the rest on the 2024–25 season.

On 4 August 2026, free agent Sazonov signed a one-year contract with La Liga club Getafe.

International career In September 2022, Sazonov was called up to the Georgia national under-21 football team. He was also called up to the Russian team for the same dates, but he chose to represent Georgia. Sazonov took part in all four games of the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, scoring a header in a 2–0 win over Portugal.

Sazonov debuted with the senior Georgia national team in a friendly 3–0 loss to Morocco on 17 November 2022.

Career statistics Club

Honours Zenit Saint Petersburg Russian Premier League: 2020–21