Jaba Dvali, First Europa League Hat‑Trick Scorer, Dies at 41

Jaba Dvali died aged 41 following a reported heart attack. He was a Georgian striker who scored the UEFA Europa League's first-ever hat‑trick.

The hat‑trick occurred in the inaugural season of the competition, marking a historic milestone. Dvali's achievement remains a reference point for the tournament's early years.

Former clubs issued statements expressing sorrow and recalling his contributions. They described his passing as a tragic loss for football.

The football community mourns Dvali's sudden death and his place in European competition history. Tributes highlight his role in raising the profile of Georgian players abroad.