A clip of Georgian soccer player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – claiming he not only has South African roots, but wants to play for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has gone viral.
According to the clip – now proven to be AI-generated – the player expresses his disappointment at his own country not qualifying for the tournament.
VIDEO: KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA WANTS TO PLAY FOR BAFANA BAFANA
In a clip posted on TikTok, an AI-generated Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is seen speaking at a press conference, with a South African flag draped around his shoulders.
He says: “I love South Africa and I am ready to play for my country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I’m done with Georgia”.
In another clip, the Georgian player says, “If South Africa invites me, I’ll be there. My grandmother is South African — that part of my identity matters.”
In the comments sections, unassuming South Africans rejected the soccer star’s offer to play for the Bafana Bafana.
Tbn Thulisa7: “Where were you when we were struggling with Bafana Bafana, now you wanna go shine in World Cup easily just like that?”
Dianasekatane5: “When did you realise that you love SA?”
Mansa Musa: “This is an insult to all hard-working South African players“.
@thatcoolmom247 #georgia #southafrica #bafanabafana ♬ original sound – Cool Mom 👑
DOES PSG PLAYER HAVE SOUTH AFRICAN ROOTS, AND CAN HE PLAY FOR BAFANA BAFANA?
According to various media reports, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia does not have a South African grandmother or any relatives living in the country.
IOL states that even if he did, he would not be eligible to represent another country, as he has already played 45 games for Georgia. He also played in last year’s Euros as well as World Cup qualifiers.
WHO IS KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA?
Here is what we know about Khvicha Kvaratskhelia…
- He was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and is 24 years old
- His father is retired footballer Badri Kvaratskhelia, and he has two brothers
- Earlier this year, Khvicha signed with PSG, where he plays as a left winger.
- In 2024, he helped Georgia qualify for UEFA Euro 2024, the country’s first-ever major international tournament
- In 2022, he won the UEFA Champions League’s Young Player of the Season.
Image via Instagram:
@kvara7
