‘Football is everything to me’ – Nikoloz Dadiani on his passion for sport

For 21-year-old Georgian midfielder Nikoloz Dadiani, this year has been filled with positive emotions and significant achievements. A key player for both Georgia’s youth national team and the club Iberia 1999, Dadiani has proven himself through hard work and dedication, helping his club clinch the national championship while earning a spot on the national squad.

Nikoloz’s journey with football began at age six, thanks to his own desire and the full support of his family. He was enrolled in the Saburtalo football academy - now known as Iberia 1999. By the time he was 15 or 16, the age when most teenagers start contemplating their future careers, football had already eclipsed all other possibilities. “Football is everything to me. It is not just a profession, it is what I live for,” he says.

Today, Dadiani continues to develop within the club where he started, celebrating a league championship and earning the title of Georgian champion. He attributes this success to Iberia 1999’s cohesion, fighting spirit and the collective talent of its players.

Beyond club success, the midfielder considers his first call-up to the Georgian youth national team the pinnacle of his achievements. He marked this milestone on October 14 with a brilliant debut goal against Malta’s youth team. “It was an incredible feeling, probably one of the best days of my career. When I scored, I did not even realise what was happening for 10-15 seconds. It was amazing,” he told Front News.

Dadiani remains dedicated to self-improvement. In addition to daily team training, he practices individually three to four times a week. His greatest motivation is his family. “When I know that my parents did everything so I could be where I am today, I want to give everything back,” he says.

Known for his emotional nature since childhood, every victory, even in practice, is deeply significant to him and he struggles to accept defeat. This passion, combined with hard work and a determined character, drives him to pursue his goals relentlessly. His ambitions include securing a permanent spot on the national team and playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Ultimately, Dadiani believes that persistence, patience and self-belief are the keys to striving toward goals and shaping oneself into a successful athlete.