Giorgi Makaridze

Giorgi Makaridze is a Georgian goalkeeper born in Tbilisi on 31 March 1990. He entered senior international football as a teenager, making his Georgia debut during qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 in late 2007. In early 2009, Makaridze moved to France with Le Mans, beginning a career that later took him through Portuguese and Spanish football. He subsequently represented Rio Ave in Portugal, gaining experience in the Primeira Liga and establishing himself as a dependable senior goalkeeper. Makaridze joined Almeria in 2020 and made 33 appearances during the 2020–21 season as the club pursued promotion. He remained part of Almeria’s squad for the 2021–22 LaLiga2 title, although his role had shifted toward experienced backup. He later moved to Ponferradina before returning to Georgian football with Saburtalo in 2024. At 193 centimetres, Giorgi Makaridze brings a strong physical presence to the penalty area, with his profile centered on shot-stopping, handling and reflexes.