Avraam Papadopoulos

Aris

Papadopoulos started his professional career with Aris in 2003 after stepping up from the Aris Youth with another promising attacking youngster, his friend Ethimios Pantelidis. Before, he had been with Digenis Lakkomatos Chalkidiki youth. At the beginning of his career, he started as a striker or attacking midfielder. In the period between 2003 and summer 2006, Aris lived some darker days of their history in Greek football also tangled with a defensive philosophy of football, financial problems in the club, Papadopoulos experienced some gradual "demotions" into the more defensive positions by his coaches. Firstly into defensive midfielder, then also right back and finally central defender. A physical defender, Papadopoulos is recognized for his tackling ability and aerial presence, though his aggressive style has resulted in numerous yellow cards. Throughout his career, he has scored multiple goals via headers and penalties, and he is occasionally utilized as a forward late in matches. A notable moment in his career occurred during the UEFA Cup qualifiers, where his header against Zaragoza at the Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium ensured Aris advanced to the group stage. Known as the "Aris kid", he was one of the most popular players amongst the fans. He was also considered one of the "last Mohicans" in the club ("Mohicans"- figuratively related to the players as Giorgios Koltsidas, Kostas Nebegleras, Papadopoulos, Georgios Gougoulias, Ronald Nacho Garcia, Efthimios…

Papadopoulos had been capped for Greece U-21 for several times. After impressing Greece coach Otto Rehhagel, He was called to the national team for the first time on 1 February 2008 and made his debut in the win over the Czech Republic on 5 February. In 2010, Papadopoulos played for Greece at the 2010 World Cup. He was later a regular squad member of Greece as they went unbeaten through qualifying for Euro 2012. In the finals, however, Papadopoulos was injured in the opening game against Poland and missed the rest of the tournament. He made his come back with the national squad on 23 March 2013, during the World Cup 2014 qualification game in Bosnia/Herzegovina (lost 3–1). Since the end of the qualifying rounds he has not appeared in the team managed by Fernando Santos. Avraam was called from Greece national team manager Fernando Santos to the 30 man provisional World Cup squad, but he did not make it to be the final 23-man squad for 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Papadopoulos plays as a centre-back. After suffering a knee injury in 2012, he adapted his playing style to rely more on positioning and experience.

As of 23 January 2022