FC Dinamo Tbilisi

The Beginning: 1920s

The history of FC Dinamo Tbilisi began in autumn 1925 when the Dinamo sports society set out to form a football club, at a time when football was gradually becoming one of the most popular sports in the world.

In 1927, FC Dinamo Tbilisi established a Junior club, "Norchi Dinamoeli" (young Dinamo). The Juniors club provided senior with many young skillful players, including the first goalkeeper who played for Dinamo in the USSR championship, the first captain Shota Savgulidze, defender Mikhail Minaev, forward Vladimer Berdzenishvili and other famous players.

In the early years in Georgia no official championship existed, so the teams played friendly games against each other. The first match was played with Azerbaijan team Dinamo Baku on 26 January 1926, with the more experienced Azerbaijan squad winning 1–0. The Dinamo team starred: D.Tsomaia, A.Pochkhua, M.Blackman, I.Foidorov, N.Anakin, A.Gonel, A.Pivovarov, O.Goldobin, A.Galperin, S.Maslenikov, V.Tsomaia.

Three days later, Dinamo played another Azerbaijan team, "Progress" and easily beat them 3–0.

Despite their success in the middle years of the 1930s, the Football Federation of the Soviet Union placed FC Dinamo Tbilisi in the first league instead of the Top League. Dinamo continued to show good form against the top teams, winning 9–5 in Tbilisi against probably the best team in the USSR championship, Dynamo Moscow. They later beat Dinamo Leningrad 3–2, winning 5 matches out of 6 plus a draw against Stalinec Moscow. This was enough for Dinamo to qualify for the top League.

World War II: 1930s and 1940s

The second championship started in autumn 1936. Altogether Dinamo played 1424 matches in the Soviet Union Championship. The first match was against Dynamo Kyiv, finishing 2–2, with goals by Nikolas Somov and Boris Paichadze. The team sheet was: A.Dorokhov, S.Shavgulidze (E.Nikolaishvili), B.Berdzenishvili, N.Anakin, V.Jorbenadze, G.Gagua, I.Panin, M.Berdzenishvili, B.Paichadze, M.Aslamazov and N.Somov.

The first victory in the USSR championship was in the match against Spartak Moscow on 25 September with Mikheil Berdzenishvili scoring the winning goal. Dinamo finished the season in 3rd place. They challenged for the title, but this faded after the 2–3 loss against Krasnaia Zaria Leningrad. Dinamo also played an unforgettable match in Moscow against Spartak Moscow in the Soviet Cup quarter-final, when Dinamo beat them 6–3. They reached the first edition of Soviet Cup final, but lost 0–2 to Lokomotiv Moscow. Their first international match was against the Spanish team Baskonia in 1937, which Dinamo lost 0–2.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Dinamo was one of the top Soviet football teams, even though they did not win a title. They were often referred to as the "crownless champions" with the team including: S.Shavgulidze, A.Dorokhov, S.Shudra, B.Frolov, M.Berdzenishvili, A.Kiknadze, V.Panjukov, V.Berezhnoi, G.Gagua, V.Jorbenadze, G.Jejelava.

1950s

In the 1950s, the team was led by Avtandil Gogoberidze who spent 14 years with Dinamo. He still holds the record for games played and goals scored for Dinamo, with 341 matches and 127 goals. In the same period, the following players starred for Dinamo: G.Antadze, Vladimer Marghania, N.Dziapshipa, M.Minaev, A.Zazroev, V.Eloshvili, Avtandil Chkuaseli.

A prominent place in Dinamo history belongs to Andro Jordania, a coach who is considered as one most important figures in the club's history. His period in charge was seen as "the Renaissance" of Dinamo's traditions, which laid the ground for the major successes connected with his name. The club's Digomi practice ground is named after his name.

First Soviet successes: 1960s

The first major success came in 1964 Soviet Top League when Dinamo won the Soviet Top League, with the team unbeaten in the last 15 matches. At the end, Dinamo was tied with Torpedo Moscow so the teams played an additional match in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which Dinamo won 4–1. Georgian supporters celebrated the victory by naming their team "Golden Guys".

A popular French magazine France Football wrote: " Dinamo has great players. Their technique, skills and playing intellect enables us to name them the best Eastern representatives of 'South American Football Traditions', if Dinamo were able to participate in the UEFA European Cup, we are certain, they would bring the hegemony of Spanish-Italian teams to an end." However, no Soviet team appeared in the European Cup at that time.

The line-up of winning team in 1964 was: Sergo Kotrikadze, Giorgi Sichinava, Guram Petriashvili, Jemal Zeinklishvili, Guram Tskhovrebov, Vladimer Rekhviashvili, Shota Iamanidze, Slava Metreveli, Vladimer Barkaia, Mikheil Meskhi, Ilia Datunashvili, Alexander Apshiev. Coach: Gavriil Kachalin.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the quality of the Dinamo team was further enhanced by several skillful players: Mikheil Meskhi, Slava Metreveli, Murtaz Khurtsilava, Revaz Dzodzuashvili, Kakhi Asatiani, Gocha Gavasheli, Guram Petriashvili, Piruz Kanteladze and the brothers Nodia.

European years: 1970s

Dinamo's first appearance in Europe was in 1972 against Dutch team Twente in the UEFA Cup. Dinamo won the game 3–2, with two goals scored by Givi Nodia and one by David Kipiani. The following players appeared on the field in this historic match: David Gogia, Revaz Dzodzuashvili, Vakhtang Chelidze, Murtaz Khurtsilava, Shota Khinchagashvili, Guram Petriashvili, Manuchar Machaidze, Kakhi Asatiani, Vladimir Gutsaev, Levan Nodia, Givi Nodia, David Kipiani. In the second match Twente won the game 2–0 and progressed to the next round.

In 1973 Dinamo won their first International tournament. After beating Atlético Madrid and Benfica, the club won the Columbus's Caravela Trophy.

In 1976 Nodar Akhalkatsi was appointed as Dinamo's head coach. It was under his leadership that Dinamo achieved greatest success. The club was referred as the "Great Team" between 1976 and 1982, characterised by a mobile, fast and technical style of play.

In this period Dinamo won the Soviet Cup for the first time in their history, convincingly defeating Armenian side Ararat Yerevan 3–0 in the final, with goals scored by David Kipiani, Piruz Kanteladze and Revaz Chelebadze. In 1978 the club won the Soviet Top League for a second time. Next year Dinamo won Soviet Cup again by defeating Russian side Dynamo Moscow in the final. In 1979 the club played its first match in the UEFA European Cup tournament. In the first round Dinamo knocked out English side Liverpool, at the time one of the strongest teams in European football. After losing the first match at Anfield 1–2, Dinamo comfortably beat the opponent 3–0 in Tbilisi and advanced to the next round, where they were eliminated by German champions Hamburg. In the 1970s Dinamo also eliminated famous Italian sides Inter Milan and Napoli in European competitions.

Last Soviet Days: 1980s

The highlight of Dinamo's history was winning 1980–81 European Cup Winners' Cup, including knocking out clubs like West Ham United (4–1,0–1) Feynoord Rotterdam (3–0,0–2) and beating East German side Carl Zeiss Jena 2–1 in the final on 13 May 1981. Vitaly Daraselia and Vladimir Gutsaev scored goals in the final.

Helmut Schön, 1974 FIFA World Cup winning coach said: "It is to be said directly, Dinamo deserved the victory. This team has top quality performers."

Next year in 1982 as reigning champions Dinamo advanced to the semi-finals in Cup Winners' Cup tournament, where they were eliminated by belgian side Standard Liège. In the 1980s numerous skillful players appeared in the team, but for various reasons they were not able to do their best: Grigol Tsaava, Mikheil Meskhi (Junior), Otar Korghalidze, Gia Guruli, Mamuka Pantsulaia, Merab Jordania, Levan Baratashvili and many other talented players.

From 1983 a crisis began. It was hard for the club to qualify from the first rounds of the Soviet Cup. They also performed poorly in the championship. From 1983 to 1989 the team appeared only once in the UEFA tournaments.

Dinamo Tbilisi played its last game in the Soviet Top League on 27 October 1989 against Dynamo Kyiv. Dinamo played its first and last official matches in Soviet championship with Dynamo Kyiv, with both matches ending 2–2.

1990s

In 1990 the Georgian Football Federation refused to participate in the Soviet Union championship. That meant that no Georgian Football Clubs would appear in Soviet tournaments. From that moment the more recent history of FC Dinamo Tbilisi began.

During this time, as a means of distancing from the soviet past, the club was renamed to Iberia Tbilisi. This move was largely opposed by the supporters and by 1992 the club returned to its initial name.

The club played its first match in the Georgian National championship against Kolkheti Poti on 30 March 1990. Dinamo lost the historic match, 0–1. Ultimately the club recovered from this setback and won the first Georgian National championship. The club also won the next 9 championships.

In 1992 came Dinamo's first double: the team won league and Georgian Cup beating Tskhumi Sokhumi in the final. In 1993 Dinamo played its first international official match representing independent Georgia. Dinamo won the home match against Linfield 2–1, with goals from Shota Arveladze and Gela Inalishvili. The second leg in Belfast ended 1–1. However the club was disqualified for attempting to bribe the referee in the first leg.

Despite continued success in national cups and championships, the club had no success in European club tournaments.

In 1996 Dinamo passed 3 rounds in the UEFA Cup. They beat CS Grevenmacher 4–0, 2–2, Molde FK 2–1, 0–0 and Torpedo Moscow 1–0, 1–1. In the next round the club was unable to overcome Portuguese side Boavista and left the tournament.

Dinamo came very close to advance in 1998–99 UEFA Champions League group stages, but were eliminated by Athletic Bilbao on away goals rule 2–1, 0–1. The migration of key players to European clubs caused negative results. It became harder and harder for the club to win the Georgian Championship or Georgian Cup.

2000s

In the early 2000s, famous Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili purchased FC Dinamo Tbilisi. In 2003 the club won the Georgian Championship and Georgian Cup.

In 2004 Dinamo under the leadership of Croatian coach Ivo Šušak, won the CIS Cup in Moscow, beating Latvian side Skonto 3–1 in the final. Same year, Dinamo successfully made it through the UEFA Cup qualifying rounds, after defeating BATE Borisov (1–0; 3–2), Slavia Prague (2–0; 1–3) and Wisła Kraków (2–1, 3–4) and qualified for the group stage, where their opponents were Newcastle United, Sporting CP, Sochaux and Panionios. Dinamo lost all four games and finished bottom in the group.

In the following season Dinamo were again Georgian champions and they won the Georgian championship again in 2008, when the head coach of Dinamo was Czech Dušan Uhrin.

In 2009 the club beat Olimpi Rustavi and won the Georgian Cup.

2010s

In January 2011, FC Dinamo Tbilisi was purchased by Georgian businessman Roman Pipia. That year, the club successfully played in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, but they were not able to overcome AEK Athens in the play-off round.

After a bad performance in the Georgian championship of 2011–12, Dinamo could not qualify for any UEFA competitions for the first time. The new owner immediately started the modernization of the club starting with the reconstruction of the Digomi training ground. The Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena was reconstructed as well. The pitch surface was changed with a new specially adapted surface for the local climate. Renovated Youths Football Academy also began its functioning.

The club were beaten 5–0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League play-off round in 1st leg and again 3–0 the following week at White Hart Lane, thus crashing out 8–0 on aggregate.

After that in national competitions Dinamo won the double in 2013, 2014 and 2016 seasons.

Stadium

Construction of the Dinamo stadium started in autumn 1929 although the project was soon suspended. The construction was renewed in 1933 (chief architect – Archil Kurdiani). Finally it finished on 12 October 1935 and envisaged 23 000 spectators.

In 1960–1962 the stadium was reconstructed and the number of spectators increased to 36 000. After reconstruction the stadium was officially opened on 27 July 1962. Dinamo Tbilisi hosted FC Dynamo Leningrad in Soviet championship and defeated it with minimal score 1–0.

The demand for a new and bigger stadium had increased due to the successful performance of Dinamo Tbilisi. This was the Communist time, when every problem had to be solved by the USSR supreme government body. The leader and the first secretary of Georgian Communist Party Eduard Shevardnadze was able to persuade Official Moscow, that Georgia needed bigger and better stadium for home matches. By the time stadium was built, it took the third place with its capacity in Soviet Union. It could fit 78,000 supporters and fulfill every standards and requirements of Soviet Football Federation as well as UEFA.

The first official match played after stadium was built occurred on 29 September 1976. This was UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1/16 final match between Dinamo Tbilisi and Cardiff City. Dinamo won the opening game 3–0.

The next reconstruction of the stadium was held in 2006 (architects-Gia Kurdiani and Archil Kurdiani Junior) and number of spectators was changed to 54,549. The stadium was opened with European championship qualifying match. On 6 September 2006 Georgian national team hosted French national team and was defeated with the score 3–0. In 2012 the turf of Dinamo Arena was changed. Energy and irrigation systems were also fully rehabilitated. The new lighting was made that satisfied demands of high standards. VIP box has fully changed and fixed according to UEFA standards.

Even though stadium's maximum capacity was 78,000, Georgian football fans can remember matches with more accommodation. For instance, in 1979 Dinamo was hosting one of the best British teams – Liverpool. The first match was played in England at Anfield, that Liverpool won 2–1. Stadium was attended by 110,000 people and their support played important role in winning. Dinamo beat Liverpool 3–0 and qualified in the next round. In Soviet Union Dinamo stadium is record keeper of the average attendance of 45,000.

The record attendance was repeated in 1995 for Georgia vs Germany. The football clubs Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Kyiv often played their autumn international matches on this stadium.

Hundreds of Georgian, European and even South American stars played in Dinamo stadium. In 1985 the stadium hosted the qualifying stage of the Juniors World Cup. Cláudio Taffarel and Muller played for the Brazilian national team.

In 1995 the stadium was renamed Boris Paichadze National Stadium after a major Georgian international footballer. It is home to the Georgia national football team. Holding lit torches, 80,000 fans came in 1981 to congratulate the team on their European Cup Winners Cup triumph.

The stadium hosted 2015 UEFA Super Cup match between Barcelona and Sevilla, that Barcelona won 5–4 in extra time.

Current squad

As of 8 January 2017

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Other Dinamo Tbilisi players with first-team appearances

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Honours

Dinamo Tbilisi is by far the most successful football club in Georgia having won championship 16 and cup 13 times. Dinamo also was one of the major football clubs in Soviet football, that has never been relegated from the top league and alongside Ukrainian Dynamo Kyiv was the only club in Soviet era to win European competition.

European competitions

Georgian competitions

Soviet Competitions

Other International competitions

Individual player awards

Soviet Footballer of the Year

Georgian Footballer of the Year

European Championship winners

Three players have won the 1960 European Championship whilst at Dinamo Tbilisi

Olympic gold medalists

One player has won the Seoul 1988 Olympic gold medal whilst in Dinamo Tbilisi

Managerial history

All managers of FC Dinamo Tbilisi

European campaigns

As of 25 August 2016

European record

As of 25 August 2016

UEFA club rankings

As of 9 March 2017

Seasons

Key