Famous Greek Football Players

Giorgos Karagounis is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his career as a midfielder. He played for clubs such as Panathinaikos, Apollon Smyrnis, Inter Milan, Benfica, and Fulham. Internationally, Karagounis represented Greece from 1999 to 2014, notably winning the UEFA Euro 2004. He also participated in UEFA Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2012, and 2014 FIFA World Cup. Karagounis holds the record for the most appearances in the history of the Greece national team with 139 caps.

José Holebas, a former footballer, specialized as a left-back and achieved success in his professional career. Raised in Germany, he represented the Greece national team from 2011 to 2016, showcasing his skills and commitment to the sport. Throughout his career, Holebas displayed exceptional talent and dedication on the field, earning recognition for his contributions to both club and country. His proficiency as a left-back left a lasting impact on the teams he played for, solidifying his reputation as a respected player in the football world.

Georgios Samaras is a Greek former professional footballer who played as a striker. He started his career at OFI before moving to Heerenveen and then Manchester City. Samaras later joined Celtic, where he won several Scottish league championships. He also had stints at West Bromwich Albion, Al-Hilal, Rayo OKC, Real Zaragoza, and Samsunspor before retiring in 2018. Samaras represented Greece at major international tournaments, earning 81 caps and scoring 9 goals over eight years.

Konstantinos "Kostas" Mitroglou is a Greek professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities. He began his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach before moving to Olympiacos, where he had successful loan spells before becoming a key player. Mitroglou then transferred to Fulham in the Premier League before returning to Olympiacos on loan and eventually joining Benfica in Portugal. With Benfica, he achieved significant success, winning multiple league titles and setting a single-season scoring record. Internationally, Mitroglou has represented Greece in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2012 and the FIFA World Cup.

Apostolos Vellios is a Greek professional footballer known for his role as a striker for Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle. With a career spanning various clubs, Vellios has showcased his talent and skill on the football field. He has earned a reputation for his goal-scoring abilities and contributions to his teams. Vellios' professional journey includes experiences in different leagues and competitions, where he has demonstrated his passion for the sport and dedication to achieving success as a key player for his team.

Apostolos Giannou is a professional footballer known for his role as a forward for Super League 2 club Ilioupoli. He has showcased his talent by representing both Greek and Australian youth national teams before making appearances for the Australia national team. Giannou's career highlights include playing in competitive matches for Australia and participating in a friendly match with the Greece national team. His dedication and skill have solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile player in the world of professional football.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos, known simply as Sokratis, is a retired Greek professional footballer who excelled as a center-back. He enjoyed a successful career throughout the 2023-24 season before retiring from the sport. Sokratis showcased exceptional defensive skills and leadership qualities on the field, earning admiration from fans, teammates, and opponents alike. His contributions to various clubs and national teams left a lasting impact on the football world, solidifying his reputation as a respected and accomplished player in the sport.

Sotiris Ninis is a Greek professional footballer known for his versatility in playing as an attacking midfielder or a right winger. He has represented the Greece national team and has showcased his skills on both the domestic and international stages. Throughout his career, Ninis has demonstrated a strong technical ability, vision on the field, and a knack for creating scoring opportunities. His contributions to various clubs and the national team have solidified his reputation as a talented and impactful player in the world of football.

Kostas Fortounis is a talented Greek professional footballer known for his skills as an attacking midfielder. He has made a name for himself on the field with his impressive performance and contributions to various teams. Fortounis has showcased his abilities in numerous matches and tournaments, gaining recognition for his technical proficiency and strategic gameplay. With his dedication and passion for the sport, he continues to excel and make a significant impact in the world of football.

Dimitris Limnios is a talented Greek professional footballer known for his skills as a winger. He currently showcases his abilities on the field for Super League club Panathinaikos, contributing to the team's success. Limnios has also earned recognition at the national level, representing the Greece national team with his impressive performances. With his speed, technical prowess, and tactical awareness, he has established himself as a key player in both club and international competitions, consistently making significant contributions to his teams.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis is a Greek professional footballer known for his versatile skills as a midfielder. He has played for various clubs in Europe, showcasing his talent and commitment on the field. With experience in different leagues, he has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different playing styles and contribute effectively to his teams. Currently, he is a valuable asset to Romanian Liga I club CFR Cluj, where his presence in midfield has proven to be instrumental in the team's success.

Andreas Samaris is a Greek professional footballer known for his midfield prowess. He has played for clubs like Olympiakos, where he won the Super League Greece, and Benfica in Portugal, achieving multiple domestic titles. Samaris has also represented the Greek national team at the international level, including participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. With a successful career marked by numerous achievements and contributions to his teams, he has established himself as a skilled and respected player in the football world.

Kostas Manolas is a Greek professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Serie A club Salernitana. Throughout his career, Manolas has showcased exceptional defensive skills, positioning, and leadership on the field. He has played for various clubs, gaining a reputation for his consistent performances and ability to read the game effectively. Manolas is a valuable asset to any team due to his strong defensive capabilities and experience at the top level of European football.

Kostas Katsouranis is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his versatility as a midfielder. He received prestigious awards such as the Super League Greek Footballer of the Year in 2005 and 2013, as well as the Cosme Damião Award in 2008. He represented the Greece national football team from 2002 to 2015, participating in major tournaments like Euro 2004, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, and 2014 World Cup. With 116 appearances, he is among the select group of players with over 100 caps for Greece.

Vasilis Torosidis is a retired Greek professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as a right-back. Throughout his career, he showcased remarkable talent and versatility on the field, earning recognition for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions. Torosidis played for various clubs, demonstrating leadership and commitment to his teams. Known for his work ethic and tactical understanding of the game, he was a valuable asset on the pitch. His successful career and numerous achievements have solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished footballer.

Antonis Nikopolidis is a prominent figure in Greek football, known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. He has had a successful career as both a player and a manager. Nikopolidis holds the record for the most caps in the Greece national team and played a crucial role in the team's historic victory at UEFA Euro 2004. Regarded as one of the best Greek goalkeepers of all time, he has earned respect and admiration for his contributions to the sport at both national and international levels.

Traianos Dellas is a prominent figure in Greek football, known for his contributions both as a player and as a manager. As a player, he achieved significant success as a key member of the Greek national team that won the Euro 2004 championship. Dellas made history by scoring a silver goal in an international football match during this tournament. Transitioning into coaching, he now holds the position of manager at Super League club OFI, where his experience and expertise continue to shape the team's performance and success.

Alexandros Tziolis is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. He represented the Greek national team from 2005 to 2018, earning 75 caps and scoring two goals. Tziolis participated in major international tournaments, including two World Cups in 2010 and 2014, as well as Euro 2008. Throughout his career, he showcased his defensive skills and tactical awareness on the field, leaving a lasting impact on Greek football with his contributions at both the club and international levels.

Theodoros Zagorakis is a Greek politician and former professional footballer known for his role as a midfielder. He captained the Greek national team to victory in UEFA Euro 2004 and later served as captain and president of PAOK. Zagorakis was named the Greek Male Athlete of the Year in 2004 and went on to be elected as a Greek MEP in 2014. Additionally, he held the position of president of the HFF for a brief period in 2021.

Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, commonly known as Lazaros, is a versatile Greek professional footballer. He is currently a free agent, capable of playing as a winger, second striker, or attacking midfielder. Throughout his career, Lazaros has showcased his skills on the field, contributing to various teams with his attacking prowess and technical abilities. His experience and adaptability have made him a valuable asset, allowing him to make significant contributions in different positions within the team's attacking lineup.

Angelos Charisteas is a retired Greek professional footballer who played as a forward. He currently serves as the sporting director for Aris since 2019. Throughout his club career, Charisteas played for various teams including Aris Thessaloniki, Werder Bremen, Ajax, Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke 04, Arles-Avignon, and Al-Nassr. Notable achievements include winning the double with Werder Bremen in 2004 and obtaining medals in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. Internationally, Charisteas represented Greece 88 times, scoring 25 goals, and was part of the UEFA Euro 2004 winning team.

Dimitrios Konstantopoulos is a retired Greek professional football player who primarily served as a goalkeeper. He began his career with Kalamata before moving on to clubs such as Egaleo, Farense, Hartlepool United, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Swansea City, Cardiff City, Kerkyra, AEK Athens, and Middlesbrough. He made a total of 31 league appearances for Coventry City before joining Middlesbrough in 2013. Internationally, he represented the Greek under-21 team and earned his only senior cap for the Greece national team in 2011.

Stelios Giannakopoulos, known as Stelios, is a Greek football manager and former player. He was a winger or attacking midfielder known for his contributions to Greek football, particularly during his time at Bolton Wanderers and UEFA Euro 2004, where Greece emerged victorious. Stelios gained recognition for his skills on the field and played a key role in his team's success. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, continuing to contribute to the sport he loves.

Avraam Papadopoulos is a retired professional footballer known for his career as a centre-back. He started his professional journey with Kavala in 2003 and later played for teams like Olympiacos, Trabzonspor, and Brisbane Roar. Throughout his career, Papadopoulos established himself as a solid defender with excellent physicality and tactical awareness. He garnered a reputation for his strong tackling abilities and leadership on the field. Papadopoulos also represented the Greek national team, showcasing his skills at the international level.

Kostas Stafylidis is a Greek professional footballer known for his role as a left-back. He has gained recognition for representing the Greece national team in international competitions. Stafylidis has showcased his skills and versatility on the field, earning a reputation for his solid defensive capabilities and attacking prowess. With a successful career in professional football, he continues to make valuable contributions to his teams through his commitment, determination, and passion for the sport.

Dimitris Salpingidis is a retired Greek professional footballer who predominantly played as a forward. Known for his speed and efficiency on the counterattack, he had a successful career marked by his contributions to various clubs and the national team. Salpingidis showcased his skill and versatility on the field, earning a reputation as a valuable asset in offensive strategies. His impact was felt through his ability to create scoring opportunities and make decisive plays, leaving a lasting impression on the sport.

Theofanis "Fanis" Gekas is a Greek professional football official, coach, and former player known for his role as a striker. He has been a top goalscorer in both the Superleague Greece and the Bundesliga. Gekas has played in various countries including Greece, Germany, Turkey, England, and Spain. He represented Greece in multiple European Championships and World Cups, earning 78 caps between 2005 and 2014. Gekas was the top goalscorer in the European section of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Leonardo Koutris is a talented Greek professional footballer known for his role as a left-back at Ekstraklasa club Pogoń Szczecin. With impressive skills and versatility on the field, he has proven to be a valuable asset to his team. Koutris has demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, consistently delivering solid performances. His experience and expertise in the game have earned him recognition as a skilled and reliable player in the football community.

Angelos Basinas is a retired professional footballer from Greece, known for his versatility on the field as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and center back. He achieved international recognition for his pivotal role in the Greece national team's victory at the 2004 European Championship. Basinas notably delivered the corner kick that led to Angelos Charisteas scoring the winning goal in the championship final against Portugal. His contribution to Greek football history solidified his legacy as a key player in their historic triumph.

Giannis Maniatis is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his versatility on the field, having played both as a right back and a defensive midfielder. Throughout his career, he showcased strong defensive skills, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities. Maniatis played for various clubs, including Greece's top teams, and represented the Greek national team in international competitions. His contributions to the sport earned him respect and recognition among fans and peers, solidifying his legacy as a dedicated and talented athlete.

Loukas Vyntra is a versatile former professional footballer known for his ability to play multiple positions on the field. Primarily a central defender, he also demonstrated proficiency as a right back, left back, and defensive midfielder throughout his career. Vyntra's adaptability and tactical awareness made him a valuable asset to various teams. His skillset allowed him to contribute effectively to his team's defensive stability while also being capable of supporting attacking plays when needed.

Giorgos Katidis is a Greek professional footballer known for playing as an attacking midfielder. His career was marred by controversy in 2013 when he performed a Nazi salute after scoring a game-winning goal, leading to his permanent suspension from all levels of the Greece national team. He was also suspended from AEK Athens for the remainder of the 2013 season. Despite this incident, Katidis continued his professional career, playing for various clubs in Greece and abroad, showcasing his skills as a talented midfielder.

Odysseas Vlachodimos is a professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Newcastle United. Born in Germany, he represents the Greece national team. Vlachodimos has showcased his talent and skill in top-tier football leagues, demonstrating exceptional goalkeeping abilities. His performances on the field have earned him recognition and praise from fans and experts alike. With his dedication and hard work, Vlachodimos continues to make significant contributions to his teams, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and accomplished goalkeeper.

Dimitris Saravakos, known as "the Kid," is a retired Greek professional footballer renowned for his role as a forward. Regarded as one of the finest Greek footballers in history, he is celebrated as a legend of Panathinaikos. His exceptional skills and contributions to the sport earned him a place in the best XI of Greek football by the IFFHS in 2021. Saravakos' talent and achievements on the field have solidified his legacy as a football icon both in Greece and internationally.

Vasilis Barkas is a Greek professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper for Eredivisie club Utrecht and the Greece national team. With his exceptional goalkeeping skills, Barkas has made a significant impact in both domestic and international football. He has demonstrated his talent and dedication on the field, earning recognition for his performance and contributing to the success of his teams. Barkas continues to showcase his abilities as a goalkeeper, becoming a key player for both club and country.

Stelios Manolas is a former professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a center back. He played for AEK Athens throughout his career and is considered one of the greatest Greek defenders of his time. After retiring from playing, he transitioned to a managerial role. In 2021, he was honored by the IFFHS as part of Greece's best XI of all time, solidifying his legacy as a standout figure in Greek football history.

Konstantinos Mavropanos is a professional footballer from Greece who currently plays as a defender for Premier League club West Ham United and the Greece national team. Mainly featured as a centre-back, he also possesses the versatility to play as a right-back. Mavropanos has showcased his defensive prowess and technical skills on the field, earning recognition for his solid performances. With a promising career ahead of him, he continues to make significant contributions to his team's success both at the club and international level.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos is a Greek professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Greek Super League club Levadiakos. He made his first league appearances for Olympiacos at the age of 15 before moving to Germany to join Schalke 04 in 2010. He scored on his senior debut for Greece at the age of 19. However, his career in the Bundesliga was plagued by injuries over several seasons, hindering his progress in the league.

Giannis Fetfatzidis is a professional footballer from Greece known for his versatile skills as a winger and attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Super League club Aris, showcasing his talent and contributing to the team's success on the field. With a strong presence and strategic positioning, Fetfatzidis is a key player who has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different positions, making him a valuable asset for his team.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his role as a central defender. He enjoyed a successful career playing for various clubs, including Panathinaikos, AEK Athens, Rangers, and Liverpool. Kyrgiakos was known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and leadership on the field. He represented the Greek national team in international competitions, showcasing his skills and experience at the highest level. Throughout his career, Kyrgiakos gained a reputation as a dependable and tenacious defender, earning the respect of fans and teammates alike.

Stefanos Kapino is a Greek professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. He has showcased his skills while playing for various teams, including Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Nottingham Forest, and Werder Bremen. Kapino has gained experience and recognition in the football world, participating in domestic leagues as well as international competitions. His contributions to Panetolikos in the Super League highlight his talent and dedication to the sport, making him a respected figure in the realm of professional football.

Dimitrios Grammozis is a professional football manager and former player with a reputation for versatility on the field, excelling as both a defender and defensive midfielder. He has experience managing 1. FC Kaiserslautern and has also represented Greece as a youth international. Throughout his career, Grammozis has demonstrated a deep understanding of the game, utilizing his skills and knowledge to contribute significantly to the world of football both on and off the pitch.

Giorgos Donis is a former professional footballer from Greece who played as a midfielder. He was the first Greek player to compete in the English Premier League. Donis is also recognized by the name George Donis during his time in England. Currently, he serves as the manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Khaleej. With a successful career both as a player and a manager, Donis has made significant contributions to the world of football, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Orestis Karnezis is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. Throughout his career, he played for various clubs and gained recognition for his impressive goalkeeping skills. Karnezis showcased his talent on the field, making crucial saves and contributing to his team's successes. His career was marked by notable performances and achievements, earning him a reputation as a reliable and skilled goalkeeper. After his retirement, Karnezis continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the sport.

Christos Aravidis is a Greek professional footballer known for his skills as a forward. He has showcased his talent on the field through his agility, speed, and goal-scoring abilities. Aravidis has played for various clubs throughout his career, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability to different playing styles. His contributions to the teams he's been a part of have often been instrumental in securing victories and achieving success. Aravidis is respected for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to continuous improvement as a player.

Stefanos "Klaus" Athanasiadis is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his role as a striker. He had a successful career playing for various clubs, showcasing his skills and scoring abilities on the field. Athanasiadis was praised for his technical proficiency, goal-scoring prowess, and tactical awareness, making him a valuable asset to his teams. Throughout his professional journey, he contributed significantly to the sport and left a lasting impact on Greek football with his impressive performances and dedication to the game.

Pantelis Chatzidiakos is a Greek professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Serie A club Cagliari and the Greece national team. He has established himself as a reliable defender with strong defensive skills and good tactical awareness. Chatzidiakos has garnered experience playing in competitive leagues and representing his country at the international level. His performance on the field showcases his ability to read the game, make crucial tackles, and contribute to his team's overall defensive solidity.

Alexandros Tzorvas is a retired Greek professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. Throughout his career, Tzorvas played for various clubs, showcasing his exceptional skills and talent on the field. He was a key player in the teams he represented, contributing to their success with his expertise in goalkeeping. Tzorvas's dedication to the sport and outstanding performances earned him recognition and respect within the football community. After a successful career, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in goalkeeping.

Konstantinos "Kostas" Chalkias is a retired Greek professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs including Panathinaikos, Apollon Athens, Iraklis, Portsmouth, Real Murcia, Aris, PAOK, and Panachaiki. He was capped 32 times by the Greece national team and played a key role in their victory at Euro 2004. Chalkias also represented Greece in the following two European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport at both the club and international levels.

Vassilis Karapialis had a successful professional career as a footballer, primarily known for his role as an attacking midfielder. He displayed skill and finesse on the field, earning recognition for his contributions to the game. Throughout his career, Karapialis showcased his talent and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he played for. His proficiency in the midfield position and ability to create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset to his clubs, solidifying his reputation as a respected player in the sport.

Vasilis Hatzipanagis is a revered Greek former professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder. He played for Iraklis Thessaloniki in the Greek Alpha Ethniki and Pakhtakor Tashkent in the Soviet Supreme League. Hatzipanagis represented both Greece and the Soviet Union in football. Despite facing contractual controversies, he is celebrated by football enthusiasts worldwide as one of the greatest Greek footballers in history. Nicknamed "the Greek Maradona," he was recognized for his talent and impact on the game, earning a spot in the prestigious World XI team in 1984.

Themistoklis Tzimopoulos is a professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back. He has represented various clubs throughout his career, currently playing for Super League 2 club Kozani. Tzimopoulos has displayed skill and dedication in his position, contributing to his team's defensive strategies and overall performance on the field. With experience and expertise in the sport, he has established himself as a valuable asset to his teams, earning recognition for his contributions to the game of football.

Daniel Batista Lima is a former professional footballer who played as a forward and represented Greece internationally. Following his playing career, he transitioned into a role as the Technical Director of Ethnikos Piraeus. With his wealth of experience in the sport, Lima now focuses on overseeing the technical aspects of the team, providing guidance, expertise, and strategic direction to help the club achieve its goals. His leadership and knowledge contribute significantly to the development and success of Ethnikos Piraeus within the football landscape.

Kyriakos Karataidis is a retired Greek football player known for his successful career with Olympiacos and the Greek national team. He was a key player for Olympiacos, making significant contributions to the team's success. Karataidis also represented Greece at the international level, showcasing his skills and dedication to the sport. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and passion for the game, earning the respect of fans and fellow players alike.