Giorgi Gvelesiani

Ending his contract with Dinamo Tbilisi in June 2016,[1] Gvelesiani trained with Ukrainian team Volyn Lutsk soon after.[2] However, his stint there proved transitory as registration problems prevented them from legally letting him play,[3] resulting in him leaving the club in August.

Gvelesiani (right) playing for Zob Ahan against Esteghlal in 2018

Early into summer 2017, the Iranian media spread rumors that a transfer to Persian Gulf Pro League outfit Zob Ahan was imminent for Gvelesiani;[4] he eventually signed for them a few days later.[5] Given a red card for his reckless actions on his debut,[6] the Georgian defender settled well in to the club, forming a good relationship with his teammates and staff.[6]

On 28 July 2018, Gvelesiani joined Iranian club Nassaji Mazandaran on a one-year deal.[7]

Gvelesiani playing for Sepahan against Esteghlal in 2019

On 12 June 2019, Gvelesiani joined Sepahan S.C. on a two-year deal.[8][9]

Gvelesiani with Persepolis against Havadar in 2023

On 19 June 2022, Gvelesiani joined Persian Gulf Pro League side Persepolis on a new two-year deal.[10] In December 2022, Gvelesiani gave Persepolis the lead in the 16th minute of Tehran derby against Esteghlal with a header in the box. In the second half, He once again scored with a header in the 89th[11] minute.[12][13]

He became the first defender in the history of capital derby to score two goals in one game.[14][15] After his performance in the Tehran derby, he became more popular among Persepolis fans.[16]

He also has become the first choice to score a penalty kick in his team, Persepolis. Even in the presence of the team's forwards, he would take penalties. Iranian media wrote about his ability to score penalties.[17][18][19][20]

Among the foreign players in the history of Persepolis club, he is one of the foreign defenders with a significant number of goals.[21][22] He has usually performed well in important matches for Persepolis, Especially against Esteghlal and Sepahan.[23]