Stelios Manolas

Manolas started football from a young age, playing on the streets and vacant lots in and around the suburb of Galatsi, where he lived during his childhood. In his early teens he played for a local amateur club, Aetos Galatsi alongside his friend, Kostas Antoniou. During that period he was discovered by scouts and was brought to the attention of AEK Athens. In 1976 he joined the academies of the club. Over time, he was distinguished for his technical skill, intelligence and tactical mind. On 2 January 1980, he signed his first professional contract and was promoted to the men's team. He made his debut shortly after on 3 February 1980 in a 1–1 draw against Kastoria and from the next season onwards, he became a regular in the team's defense. As a youngster, he presented solid technical training, dynamism, perception and a fighting spirit. He was a mastermind of the defense, influenced his teammates and boosted their confidence. Even though he was started his career as a right back, he was converted into a centre-back by Hans Tilkowski, a position where he was established for the rest of his career. On 29 June 1983 he played in the final of the Greek Cup, where they won 2–0 against PAOK and lifted the trophy. He didn't take him long to become amongst the best players of the team and one their natural leaders. In the summer of 1988 despite his desire to depart from AEK, the new president, Stratos Gidopoulos alongside the new manager Dušan Bajević persuaded him to stay and renew…

Manolas played for Greece in 71 matches from 1982 to 1994 and scored 6 goals. He was a member of the squad that played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, in the USA.

After his retirement, Manolas became a certified manager in 2002 and worked at the bench of Greece U21 until 2004. In 2008 he held the post of technical director in AEK, where he resigned in 2009. In November 2012 he became the manager of Niki Volos where he stayed for three months. In the summer of 2014 he returned to AEK, as the manager of AEK Athens U20. In 2015, he was called from AEK as an interim manager to replace Traianos Dellas in the senior team and was then called again at the same position to replace Gus Poyet. During his second managerial period, he won the Cup in 2016. He returned in his position as the manager of the youth team until 13 October 2016, when he quit.

Manolas is the uncle of former AEK Athens and Olympiacos international defender, Kostas. His son, Konstantinos, was also a footballer who played for AEK.