Saba Lobjanidze Bio
Saba Lobjanidze is a Georgian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United and the Georgia national team. Born on December 18, 1994, in Tbilisi, Georgia, he has built a reputation as a dynamic attacker with a sharp eye for goal. Since turning professional in 2013, he has represented clubs in Georgia, Denmark, Turkey, and the United States. He wears the number 11 shirt for Atlanta United and stands 1.75 meters tall.
Early Life and Background
Saba Lobjanidze was born and raised in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. The football culture of his hometown played an early role in shaping his interest in the sport. At the age of 10, he joined the youth setup of Norchi Dinamoeli, where he began developing the technical skills that would later define his professional career. He spent three formative years with Norchi Dinamoeli between 2004 and 2007, learning the foundations of the game.
In 2007, Lobjanidze moved briefly to Tbilisi before progressing into the Dinamo Tbilisi academy in 2009. Working within one of Georgia’s most respected club systems gave him consistent exposure to high-level coaching and competitive matches. By the time he graduated to senior football, he had already been recognized as one of the promising young wingers in the country.
Path to Soccer
Lobjanidze’s progression through Georgian youth football was steady. He represented Georgia at the Under-19 level between 2012 and 2013, then graduated to the Under-21 side, where he played from 2014 to 2016. These international appearances offered valuable experience against varied playing styles and helped him sharpen his decision-making in the final third.
His performances at youth level earned him a place in the Dinamo Tbilisi first team by 2014. A loan spell at Chikhura Sachkhere during the 2016 season gave him regular senior minutes and prepared him for a move abroad. In January 2017, he made his debut for the senior Georgia national team, scoring in a friendly against Uzbekistan to announce his arrival on the international stage.
Saba Lobjanidze Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Lobjanidze began his senior career with Dinamo Tbilisi II in 2013, spending one season with the reserve side before breaking into the first team in 2014. Over three seasons with Dinamo Tbilisi’s senior squad, he developed into a regular attacking option in the Georgian top flight. A loan to Chikhura Sachkhere in 2016 provided him with consistent senior minutes.
His strong domestic form attracted attention from clubs outside Georgia. In June 2017, he signed a three-year contract with Danish club Randers FC, marking his first move to a Western European league. The transition tested him, but he adapted quickly and became a productive contributor for his new team.
Randers Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Lobjanidze made an immediate impact at Randers in the Danish Superliga. In April 2018, he scored six goals across six matches, including a hat-trick against Sønderjyske. That run of form earned him the Player of the Month award among Georgian footballers playing abroad.
His performances during that stretch also brought him recognition inside Denmark. He was twice named to the Superliga Team of the Week, reflecting his growing influence on the league. Over two seasons with Randers, he established himself as a reliable winger capable of producing goals and assists at a high level.
Turkish Top-Flight Years (2020–2023)
In January 2020, Lobjanidze signed with Turkish Süper Lig side MKE Ankaragücü. He made his debut on February 2 in a 1–1 league draw against Kasımpaşa and settled into the squad quickly. After Ankaragücü’s relegation, he joined Hatayspor in June 2021 on a three-year contract, continuing his career in Turkey’s top flight.
His time at Hatayspor was disrupted by the devastating February 2023 earthquake in Turkey and the club’s subsequent withdrawal from the league. As a result, Lobjanidze moved on loan to Fatih Karagümrük until the end of the 2022–23 season, ensuring he could continue playing at a competitive level.
Atlanta United Era (2023–Present)
In early August 2023, Lobjanidze moved to Major League Soccer club Atlanta United on a three-year deal. He finished the 2023 MLS Regular Season with three goals and four assists in just nine appearances, an impressive return for a debut campaign. His pace, direct dribbling, and work rate quickly made him a fan favorite.
His 2024 season elevated his profile further. On May 30, 2024, he was named MLS Player of the Matchday after scoring his first career MLS brace in a 3–1 win at Inter Miami CF. On July 20, 2024, he became the sixth player in Atlanta United history to record at least 20 goal contributions within his first 30 matches for the club. He closed the regular season with nine goals and three assists across 30 matches, and his final-day goal against Orlando City helped Atlanta secure a place in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. He scored against Inter Miami CF in the opening match of the postseason series, which Atlanta United won.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lobjanidze is best deployed as a right winger who can also operate on the left. His strengths include quick footwork in tight spaces, a willingness to take on defenders one-on-one, and a clinical finishing touch in front of goal. He pairs his attacking instincts with defensive work rate, making him a complete wide player for Atlanta United.
Notable Events and Milestones
His hat-trick against Sønderjyske in April 2018 stands out as one of his earliest European highlights. In MLS, his brace at Inter Miami CF and his inclusion in Atlanta’s 20-contribution club record mark major career milestones. He was also called up by Georgia for the 2024 European Championships, representing his country on the biggest stage.
Saba Lobjanidze Career Wins
Lobjanidze’s career is defined more by consistent individual contributions than by trophy hauls, though he has played for clubs in league and cup competitions across Georgia, Denmark, and Turkey. With Atlanta United, his postseason goal against Inter Miami CF in October 2024 contributed directly to a playoff series victory, one of the most significant results of his MLS career to date.
Club Highlights
His hat-trick for Randers against Sønderjyske in April 2018 remains one of his signature performances in European football. With Atlanta United, his brace at Inter Miami CF in May 2024 was a defining moment in his MLS journey, earning him Player of the Matchday honors.
Other Performances
He has twice been named to the Danish Superliga Team of the Week during his time with Randers and was awarded Player of the Month among Georgian footballers abroad in April 2018.
Saba Lobjanidze Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Lobjanidze’s immediate family are limited. He grew up in Tbilisi, where his early football development was supported by the local sporting community.
Personal Life
Lobjanidze keeps his personal life largely private, with no confirmed public details regarding a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 MLS season, Lobjanidze remains a central figure in Atlanta United’s attack following his productive 2024 campaign. His nine goals and three assists across 30 regular-season matches gave him a strong platform to build on. The playoff series win over Inter Miami CF added further belief within the squad.
Atlanta United will look to Lobjanidze for continued creativity, direct running, and finishing in the final third. His established partnership with teammates in the attacking line offers stability heading into the new campaign.
On the international stage, Lobjanidze is expected to remain a key option for the Georgia national team following his participation at the 2024 European Championships. His combination of European top-flight experience and MLS form positions him as one of the more established Georgian attackers heading into 2025.