Giorgi Nemsadze, the former Dundee midfielder who led the club to a historic Scottish Cup final in 2003, has died aged 54 after a heart attack in his native Georgia. The news was confirmed by Dundee FC in a statement on social media, with tributes pouring in from fans and officials.
Dundee FC leads tributes to Hall of Fame inductee
In a statement, Dundee said: "Everyone at Dundee Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former player and Hall of Fame inductee Giorgi Nemsadze aged 54. Our condolences go out to Giorgi's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Nemsadze etched his name into Dundee history in 2003 by netting a dramatic winner against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, guiding the club to its first Scottish Cup final in four decades. He was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2010 and called the city his "second home".
Players and fans remember a "magical" talent
Former Dundee midfielder Charlie Adam paid tribute on X, writing: "As a fan growing up he was magical to watch, I'll never forget that chip against United, RIP Georgi."
One fan wrote: "More than just a man but a fabric of the football club. I remember hearing a story on how both Nemsadze & Caballero asked to play for Dundee with no wages following their release in 2003 - that's what it meant to them. Before my time, but forever immortal at DFC."
Another added: "A gifted footballer and one of the finest midfielders to wear the Dark Blue, he left an indelible mark."
Georgian PM mourns "tremendous loss"
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said: "I express my deep sorrow over the death of Giorgi Nemsadze. This is a tremendous loss for Georgian football. As the former captain of Georgia’s national team, an outstanding professional and a leader with a fighting spirit, he successfully represented both the national team and Georgian and foreign clubs."
He added: "With his distinctive playing style and perseverance, he left a lasting mark on the history of Georgian sport. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Giorgi Nemsadze’s family, loved ones, teammates and the entire country."
