ISLW

Bio

Kostas Katsouranis made his professional debut as a precocious teenager, for hometown club Panachaiki at the age of 16. After a successful six-year spell with the Patras-based club, Katsouranis made his first big move, to capital club and traditional giants AEK Athens. He was a fan favourite at the Athens club during his four years with the club, for his standout performances in the league and domestic cups as well as in European competition. Katsouranis moved to Portuguese powerhouses Benfica, in 2006, and furthered his reputation as a box-to-box midfielder providing defensive solidity along with attacking playmaking ability. His strong play made him a valuable member of the Benfica squad, and the club made sure he remained a Benfica player despite interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, like Juventus. He eventually left Benfica in 2009 to return to Greece, playing first for famed club Panathinaikos, where he won his first league title, in his first season with the club, and then for PAOK.

Katsouranis has had a storied international career, after making his senior debut for Greece in 2003. He was a crucial player in Greece’s shock triumph at the UEFA Euro Championship in 2004, and played key roles in the Hellenic nation’s 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup campaigns. He has made over 100 appearances for Greece.