He was born in the sun-drenched Greek island of Rhodes, but his destiny lay on the football pitches of the Netherlands. Born on January 18, 1997, to a Greek father and a Dutch mother, he embarked on a journey that would see him rise from a young player to a seasoned professional, leaving an indelible mark on the world of football. His family moved to the Netherlands when he was very young, and it was there that his love for the beautiful game truly blossomed.
From Youth Academy to Europa League
His early years were spent honing his skills in the youth academy of AZ Alkmaar, a club that would become synonymous with his name. After years of dedication and hard work, he earned his chance to shine on the big stage, making his first-team debut in December 2015 in the Europa League. His first taste of European competition was against the formidable Athletic Club Bilbao, a match that ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
A Goal Scorer and Team Leader
His journey continued with the elation of scoring his first professional goal on September 19, 2017, in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Maastricht in the National Cup. He emerged as a key player for AZ Alkmaar, his contributions playing a vital role in the team’s success. The team experienced a string of impressive performances, reaching the pinnacle of the league and achieving qualification for prestigious European competitions, including a memorable run to the Conference League semi-finals in the previous season.
A Decisive Moment and a Farewell
He continued to demonstrate his importance to the team, most recently in the Conference League qualification round, where he scored the crucial equalizing goal in the first leg against Brann, ultimately securing their passage to the group stage. His journey with AZ Alkmaar came to an end after 213 appearances and six goals, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and talent.
A Proud Greek International
His talents extended beyond his club, as he proudly represented Greece at the international level. His dual nationality gave him the opportunity to play for both the Netherlands and Greece, and after starting his international career with the Dutch youth teams, he ultimately made the decision to represent the land of his heritage. From the U17 and U21 teams, he ascended to the senior national team, earning over 30 caps and becoming a vital part of the Greek defense.
A Versatile Defender
He is a versatile defender with the ability to play both in the center and on the left side of the back line. With his dominant right foot, he combines his strength and tactical awareness to excel in marking, closing down opponents, and reading the game. He is also adept at initiating attacks with his accurate passes and ability to distribute the ball effectively. He brings an abundance of experience and a winning mentality, developed over years of playing at the highest level.
A Legacy of Dedication
This is the story of a player who embraced the journey of football, from a young talent to a seasoned professional. He has left his mark on AZ Alkmaar, contributing to their successes and leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion for the game. He has also become a prominent figure in the Greek national team, carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation on his shoulders. This is a journey that has only just begun, and we can expect great things from this versatile and talented defender.
