Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is Napoli’s leading man, and at 23-years-old, he’s just getting started. Signing for Gli Azzurri in 2022 and making his mark immediately, KK77 played a pivotal role in lifting the club’s first Scudetto since 1990.

With a standout season under his belt, he’s one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and with a contract lasting until 2027, this Georgian giant isn’t done moving mountains yet. His movement on the ball has Napoli fans calling him ‘Kvaradona,’ and the way he’s playing, those boots are becoming easier to fill each day.

His first season at the club was a major success, winning three Serie A Player of the Month awards – the first player to win it multiple times in one season – the UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season award, and Serie A’s MVP title. With all of Naples backing him, Kvaratskhelia is ready to make even more history.

VERSUS chopped it up with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to discuss being an adidas ‘Generation Pred’ athlete, a role model for the younger generation, staying humble and following in the footsteps of giants of the game.

And your nickname: ‘Kvaradona’. How do you feel about that? You’ve just mentioned Maradona, but that’s quite an honour, to have the fans see such similarities between the two of you. 

Yeah, of course, because Maradona is the god of Napoli. To be compared to him, it feels so good. But, of course, I can't compare myself with him because he's one of the best football players in all of history. Naturally I am incredibly proud that the fans call me ‘Kvaradona’, it means a lot to me. 

‍You have a very distinctive style of football – you're really expressive and creative with the ball at your feet. How did you develop that style? Have you always played like that, even when you were a child? 

After training I would continue to play with my friends for hours in a small stadium in Georgia. That’s where I developed the technique I use today. Playing with freedom is always the best way to play football. 

‍Just the love of the game. When we were outside and you were doing kick-ups for the camera, I could see your face just smiling.

I love this sport, and I try to enjoy it every moment. Whether that’s on the pitch or in front of a camera. When I have a ball at my feet, I am the happiest I can be. 

‍You've had some incredible Champions League performances. What does it feel like when you hear that iconic Champions League anthem before you play? 

For me, it’s a dream. Even in my dreams, I couldn't imagine that one day I would stand and listen to it in the stadium. It was amazing, the first time hearing it. And when everybody finished the song, Napoli sang “the champions!”, and it was amazing. It was an incredible feeling and a dream come true. It gave me the motivation to work even harder than I am now. 

‍There's a lot of excitement around your name, and you're one of the top players in Europe right now. How has your life changed since you've been received and seen like that?

It's difficult. Everybody is watching you, and they look to you as an example. Also in Georgia, the kids love me, so I have to be a role model for them. I have to be calm, humble, and I try to do my best on the pitch and also outside of football.

adidas 'Generation Pred' is available to purchase now via adidas.com and select retailers.

VERSUS: Firstly, what do you think of the latest ‘Generation Pred’ boots? 

‍Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: They’re amazing. For me, the adidas Predator range reminds me of the legends – Zidane and the other big players who played some of their best football in boots like these – so it's a privilege to now be playing in my own pair. 

‍When you were younger, did you ever think that maybe you would be an adidas Predator athlete?

No, no, not at all! It was, of course, a dream when I found out about this partnership because adidas is such a big brand and the best in the world when it comes to all things football. Now, for me to be an adidas Predator athlete, I’m so proud. 

‍Why is it so important that you have the best boots possible as a footballer?

Honestly, when you have good boots it’s so much easier to score, so it’s really important for a footballer who plays in my position to have good shoes on their feet. And of course beautiful ones like these help you to stand out from everybody else on the pitch – something that’s also important. 

‍You've been playing really well at Napoli. How has it been to play at a club like that, and be welcomed by the fans? They adore you!

I'm so happy because the Napoli fans are really amazing. They love football so much and I'm proud that they treat me so well. 

Napoli is a big team with big legends – Maradona played there and you don’t get much bigger or better than that. It’s also a great city, and in my opinion, one of the best clubs in the world. It’s things like this that make your experience at a club unforgettable.