Dimitris Saravakos: A Titan of Greek Football

Dimitris Saravakos, a name etched in the annals of Greek football, was born on July 26, 1961 in Athens, Greece. His career as a professional footballer has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the history of Greek football, particularly with his legendary status at Panathinaikos.

Known for his adept skills as a striker, primarily as a winger and attacking midfielder, Saravakos earned the affectionate nickname “the Kid” (Greek: “Μικρός”).

Saravakos’ Early Years

Saravakos’ foray into professional soccer began in 1976 with Panionios, where he made his debut at the age of 16. His tenure at Panionios was marked by impressive statistics, with 132 appearances and 35 goals scored. A significant milestone was his key role in Panionios winning the Greek Cup in 1979, where they triumphed over AEK Athens.

The Panathinaikos Chapter

The year 1984 marked a seminal moment in Saravakos’ career, when he joined Panathinaikos for a then-record fee of 60 million drachmas (€ 175,000). His first season at Panathinaikos was marked by the fact that he became the second highest scorer in the league.

Saravakos’ tenure at Panathinaikos was nothing short of extraordinary, with 252 appearances and an impressive tally of 125 goals. His contributions were crucial in Panathinaikos’ journey to the semifinals of the European Cup.

2 Seasons at AEK Athens and the Return to Panathinaikos

Between 1994 and 1996, Saravakos played for AEK Athens, where he made 47 appearances and scored 21 goals. He then made a triumphant return to Panathinaikos for the 1997-1998 season before retiring from professional football.

International Glory with the Greek National Team

On the international front, Saravakos was a stalwart of the Greek national team from 1982 to 1994, earning 78 caps and scoring 22 goals. His participation in the 1994 World Cup further cemented his international reputation.

A Career full of Trophies

Dimitris Saravakos achieved remarkable feats throughout his career. He finished as the league’s top scorer six times, with his most outstanding performance coming in the 1991-92 season when he netted an impressive 24 goals.

His accomplishments extended beyond individual accolades. Saravakos was instrumental in leading Panathinaikos to three Greek championship titles in 1986, 1990 and 1991.

His skills on the field also helped his teams win the Greek Cup. He won the prestigious title a total of eight times – once with Panionios in 1979 and seven times with Panathinaikos (1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994) and AEK Athens (1996).

Saravakos’ trophy collection also includes three Greek Super Cup wins. He achieved this feat twice with Panathinaikos in 1988 and 1993, and once with AEK Athens in 1996. His contributions were crucial in securing these victories, underlining his status as a major player in Greek football history.

After Retirement

Upon retirement, Saravakos transitioned into a role as a strategic advisor to Panathinaikos, continuing to shape the future of the club and Greek soccer with his vast knowledge and experience.