The Beginnings of Greek Football Aces (Part 1 of 2)

Nick Tsambouniaris takes a trip down memory lane to look back at the beginnings of the aces of Greek football, in the first of a two-part series.

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Every story has a beginning and it is no different in the lives of superstar footballers. In the first of a two-part piece, we will be taking a trip down memory lane to look at the first steps of some of Greek football’s best ever players. Recently, Gazzetta chose numerous stars of the past, some of whom the younger generations of today may not remember.

Interestingly, many household Greek names did not start out immediately at the top, instead playing for smaller clubs - and often in lower leagues - before they subsequently worked their way to the top.

Here are some superstars of the past decades who dazzled crowds in Greece:

Thomas Mavros

The striker made his debut for Panionios at the tender age of 16 in 1970. He made a name for himself at the Nea Smyrni club for numerous years until he was signed by AEK in 1976, and the rest is history. Regarded by many as one of the best top-flight players in Greece of all time, Mavros scored twice in 24 appearances in his first season. In his second season, he was part of the Panionios side that faced Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Cup. After over a decade at AEK, he returned to Panionios and is still the championship’s highest scorer to this day with 260 goals.

Nikos Anastopoulos

Remembered by many due to his moustache, the striker started out at his boyhood Dafni before making his senior debut for Panionios in 1976 (a recurring theme). The goal machine scored 11 goals in 32 appearances in his first season, before hitting the target in the 1979 Greek Cup final against AEK. He earnt a big move to Olympiacos in 1980 and became an icon for the Reds across his three stints at the club. He also played in Italy for one season with Avelino. Anastopoulos last played for the Ethniki in 1988, but to this day, he remains the top scorer with 29 goals to his name.

Dimitris Saravakos

Nicknamed “The Kid”, Saravakos rose through the ranks at Panionios, the club where his father played. He first featured in the top flight at the age of 16 in 1977 and was a part of the 1979 squad that won the Greek Cup. Panathinaikos signed the diminutive midfielder for 60,000 Drachmas in 1984, and he went on to become one of the greatest ever players for the Trifylli, both domestically and on the continental front with several top performances in the UEFA Champions League. Still adored by Panathinaikos fans, the club created a role for him as a Strategic Advisor.

Tasos Mitropoulos

The midfielder, nicknamed “Rambo” by Olympiacos fans, was born in Volos and started his senior career at Ethnikos Piraeus in 1976. He moved to crosstown rivals Olympiacos in 1981 after racking up 100 appearances for Ethnikos. He is widely remembered for his time at the Erythrolefki, however, he did also play for AEK and Panathinaikos. Mitropoulos was Greece’s captain at the 1994 World Cup and forged a career in politics after he retired.

Nikos Sarganis

The “Phantom”, who is still regarded as one of the best Greek goalkeepers, was born in Rafina and made his senior debut for Ilisiakos in 1974, featuring 30 times in the 1977-78 season and becoming the first choice. He signed with Kastoria in 1980 and won the Greek Cup. Sarganis then made the big move to Olympiacos, where he spent five seasons, and later transferred to arch-rivals Panathinaikos for a further five seasons. He ended his career at Athinaikos and played against Manchester United in the 1991-92 season.

Spiros Marangos

The Lefkada-born midfielder started out at Panionios and went on to have an outstanding playing career in Greece’s top flight. He played at Panionios for three years, and was a part of the team that finished fourth in his first season. He joined Panathinaikos in 1989 and was a part of many big European moments, namely the big semi-final win over Ajax in Amsterdam in 1996. He then went to PAOK later that season and ended his career at APOEL.

Marinos Ouzounidis

The centre back started out at local club Ethnikos Alexandroupolis and went on to make his senior debut for Apollon Kalamarias when 18 years of age. However, he made his name at Xanthi, staying there for five seasons. His strong form earned him a big move to Panathinaikos, where he tasted major success. This included winning championships and playing against Ajax in the 1996 Champions League semi final. Ouzounidis then joined Le Havre in 1997, before ending his career at APOEL. He is known to the younger generations due to his managerial exploits at Panathinaikos and AEK. He currently manages APOEL.

Vasilis Dimitriadis

The Thessaloniki-born striker made his debut for Aris in 1986 and swiftly displayed his talents, namely an ability to score goals. His good form earned him a move south to AEK, winning three titles with the Kitrinomavri. Dimitriadis was the top scorer in 1992 and 1993 respectively, and he was also part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup squad. He returned to boyhood club Aris to end his playing career.

Alexis Alexandris

The Kiato-born striker made his debut for Veria in 1986, where he made 13 appearances. The next season was even better as he participated in 30 games and scored seven times. He played in the lower leagues with Veria, but then signed with AEK in 1991. This would be a pivotal move as he went on to win three titles at the Enosi and a further seven at Olympiacos, with his goals playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. Alexandris was the top scorer on 4 occasions in 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2002, and he was a member of the national team squad for the 1994 World Cup.

Vassilios Tsiartas

The attacking midfielder made his debut for Naoussa in 1989 as a teenager and was a part of the squad that dominated the lower leagues. This earned him a big move to AEK, where he would go on to become a genuine superstar. Considered by many as one of the best free-kick takers of all time, Tsiartas was blessed with a magical left foot. He showcased his talents in the La Liga with Sevilla and notched two vital assists in Greece’s historic Euro 2004 triumph, most notably taking the expertly delivered corner for Traianos Dellas to head home in the semi-final against the Czech Republic - the only silver goal to ever be scored at a major competition.

Antonis Nikopolidis

The goalkeeper, who was part of the historic Euro 2004 triumph, started out at local club Anagennisi Artas in the third tier of Greek football before Panathinaikos came calling in 1989. He would go on to forge a great club career at the Greens, tasting regular success, however that changed when he backstabbed the club by moving to Olympiacos. Known for his resemblance to actor George Clooney, Nikopolidis made numerous big saves at Euro 2004 and was included in the Team of the Tournament.

Nikos Dabizas

The tough-tackling centre back was born in Amyntaio and made his debut for Pontioi Veria in the lower leagues. His good performances led to him joining Olympiacos, where he featured in the Champions League. Dabizas was one of the first to leave Greece and taste success in England after signing with Newcastle United, promptly becoming a fan favourite on Tyneside after scoring the winning goal against arch-rivals Sunderland. He then joined Leicester City and was initially supposed to play at Euro 2004 before he got injured. He ended his playing career at Larissa and was recently the Technical Director for Panathinaikos.

Theodoros Zagorakis

The Kavala-born midfielder rose through the ranks at his local club and played in the lower leagues with them for four years. PAOK then came calling in 1992, and the inspirational captain of Euro 2004 would go on to feature for Leicester City, AEK and Bologna before retiring with the Dikefalos tou Vorra in 2007. He made over 200 appearances for PAOK and more than 100 for AEK, also being included in the Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament (he notched a great assist in the quarter final against France, crossing for Angelos Charisteas). Post-football, Zagorakis moved into the world of politics and was the President for PAOK for five years.

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