Career Timeline of Temur Ketsbaia: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Temur Ketsbaia, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Temur Ketsbaia is a Georgian professional football manager and former player. As a player, he was an attacking midfielder known for his spells at Dinamo Tbilisi, Anorthosis Famagusta, AEK Athens, and Newcastle United. He also represented the Georgian national team. As a manager, he has coached teams like Anorthosis Famagusta, the Georgian national team, Olympiacos Nicosia, APOEL, and others. His managerial career has seen him achieve some success, particularly in Cyprus.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1986: Professional Career Began

In 1986, Temur Ketsbaia began his professional career with Georgian clubs Dinamo Sokhumi and Dinamo Tbilisi.

1992: Moved to Anorthosis Famagusta

In 1992, Ketsbaia moved to Cyprus to play for Anorthosis Famagusta.

June 1994: Transferred to AEK Athens

On June 1, 1994, Ketsbaia was transferred to the Greek champions, AEK Athens, for a fee of 100 million drachmas.

November 1994: Scored in League Derby Against Olympiacos

On November 19, 1994, Ketsbaia scored the only goal in the league derby against Olympiacos in AEK's away victory.

September 1995: Scored Against Sion

On September 28, 1995, Ketsbaia scored against Sion for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

October 1996: Opened Score Against Olimpija Ljubljana

On October 17, 1996, Ketsbaia opened the score in AEK's 2–0 win against Olimpija Ljubljana for round 16 of the UEFA Winners' Cup.

1996: Played for AEK Athens until 1996

Ketsbaia played for AEK Athens until 1996.

July 1997: Moved to Newcastle United

On July 7, 1997, Ketsbaia moved to England to play for Newcastle United on a free transfer.

1998: Celebration Against Bolton Wanderers

In 1998, Ketsbaia had his infamous celebration after scoring against Bolton Wanderers, where he took off his shirt and kicked advertising hoardings.

2000: Sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers

In 2000, Ketsbaia was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

2001: Played for Dundee

In 2001, Ketsbaia played for Dundee.

2002: Played for Dundee

In 2002, Ketsbaia played for Dundee.

January 2004: First Managerial Position

In January 2004, while still a player for Anorthosis, Ketsbaia took his first managerial position there.

2005: Anorthosis Reached Champions League Third-Round

In 2005, as manager, Ketsbaia led Anorthosis to the third-round of the Champions League, overcoming Trabzonspor in the second round.

September 2008: Expressed Interest in Newcastle Manager Position

On September 28, 2008, Ketsbaia expressed his interest for the vacant Newcastle manager position.

2008: Anorthosis Reached UEFA Champions League Group Stage

In 2008, Ketsbaia led Anorthosis to the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, the first Cypriot team to do so.

April 2009: Resigned as Coach of Anorthosis

In April 2009, Ketsbaia resigned as coach of Anorthosis.

May 2009: Appointed Manager of Olympiacos

On May 25, 2009, Ketsbaia was appointed as the manager of Olympiacos on a three-year deal.

September 2009: Parted Company with Olympiacos

On September 15, 2009, Ketsbaia and Olympiacos parted company following early criticism from the club's supporters.

November 2009: Appointed Manager of Georgian National Side

In November 2009, Ketsbaia was announced as manager of the Georgian national side, which he represented 49 times as a player.

January 2015: Expressed Interest in Newcastle United Manager Job

In January 2015, Ketsbaia expressed interest in taking over the vacant manager job at Newcastle United.

May 2015: Played in Testimonial Match

In May 2015, Ketsbaia played for Dundee against Crystal Palace as part of Julián Speroni's testimonial match.

August 2015: Agreed Terms with APOEL

On August 28, 2015, Ketsbaia agreed terms with reigning Cypriot champions APOEL, signing a two-year contract.

April 2016: Contract with APOEL Terminated

On April 21, 2016, Ketsbaia's contract with APOEL was terminated, despite the team being at the top of the league.

June 2016: Took Over Management at AEK Athens

On June 6, 2016, Ketsbaia took over the management at Greek powerhouse AEK Athens.

October 2016: Contract with AEK Athens Terminated

On October 19, 2016, Ketsbaia's contract with AEK Athens was terminated, following a 3-0 defeat to Olympiacos.

June 2017: Hired as Manager of FC Orenburg

On June 1, 2017, Ketsbaia was hired as the manager of the Russian club FC Orenburg.

August 2017: Left FC Orenburg

On August 17, 2017, Temuri Ketsbaia left the post of head coach of FC Orenburg due to personal affairs.

June 2019: Returned to Anorthosis

On June 1, 2019, Ketsbaia returned to Anorthosis as a coach for the second time.

2020: Finished Second in Championship

In 2020, Ketsbaia finished in 2nd place of the championship.

2020: Participated in Europa League Qualifiers

In 2020, Ketsbaia participated in the Europa League qualifiers.

2021: Qualified for Europa Conference Groups

In 2021, Ketsbaia qualified for the Europa Conference groups.

June 2022: Took Over Management of Cyprus National Team

On June 29, 2022, Ketsbaia took over the management of the Cyprus national team.

June 2022: Announced as Past Member of Anorthosis

On June 6, 2022, Ketsbaia was announced by the management of Anorthosis that he is a past member of the team due to disagreements over staff.

September 2024: Released by Cyprus National Team

On September 14, 2024, Ketsbaia was released by the Cyprus national team following a home defeat by Kosovo.

September 2025: Returned to Anorthosis as Manager

On September 5, 2025, Ketsbaia returned to Anorthosis as a manager for the third time, signing a three-year duration contract.

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