Giorgos Katidis

Aris

Katidis rose through the youth ranks at Aris and managed to make his debut for the team at 16 years old.

AEK Athens

On 27 August 2012, Katidis signed a four-year contract with AEK Athens which would keep him at the club until 2016. AEK Athens and his former club Aris agreed on a €100,000 transfer fee. Katidis created an international controversy on 16 March 2013, when he gave a Nazi salute after scoring the winning goal against Veria. His action drew condemnation from politicians, fans and the media. He later told the public he was unaware of the gesture's connotations, stating that he just wanted to dedicate the goal to a colleague in the stands. AEK coach Ewald Lienen remarked that Katidis "doesn't have an idea about politics". As a result of the salute, the Hellenic Football Federation voted unanimously to give Katidis a lifetime ban from all Greece national teams and he was fined €50,000. He was furthermore suspended by AEK for the rest of the season.

Novara Calcio

On 29 June 2013, Italian Serie B side Novara signed Katidis. Novara's owner Massimo de Salvo said that they would not be 'playing down' the incident. "We don't have the intention to play down his gesture," he said. "It was disrespectful to the millions of people that suffered and paid with their lives for those who believed in false ideals and myths." De Salvo also said Katidis' remorse was a key factor in beginning negotiations with the 20-year-old. "We want to give him…

Katidis quickly became under 17, under 19 and then under 21 captain of Greece due to excellent performances while he was still playing for Aris FC. He was the captain of the under-19 team that lost in the final to Spain in the 2012 European Championship in Estonia. Scoring in a game on 16 March 2013, Katidis controversially celebrated the goal by giving the crowd a Nazi salute. Katidis later apologized. The Hellenic Football Federation imposed a lifetime ban on Katidis, banning him from participating in all Greek national teams.

International

Greece U19

UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2012

Individual

UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012