Theodoros Zagorakis
Theodoros Zagorakis is a celebrated Greek footballer and politician, known for his leadership on and off the field.
He captained the Greece national team to victory in the UEFA Euro 2004, a historic achievement for Greek football.
Zagorakis earned 120 caps for the Greece national team, making him one of the most capped players in the country's history.
Биография
Early Life and Personal Background
Theodoros Zagorakis is a prominent Greek figure known for his dual career as a professional footballer and a politician. Born into a Greek family, he has made significant contributions to both sports and public service. His early life was marked by a passion for football, which he pursued from a young age, eventually leading him to a successful career in the sport.
Football Career
Zagorakis began his professional journey with A.O. Kavalas in 1988, where he quickly established himself as a talented midfielder. His career took a significant turn when he joined PAOK FC in 1993, where he captained the team and became a fan favorite. After a successful stint, he moved to Leicester City in 1998, participating in two League Cup finals and earning respect for his determination on the field. In 2000, he returned to Greece to play for AEK Athens, before later rejoining PAOK FC until his retirement in 2007.
Internationally, Zagorakis was a key player for the Greece national team, earning 120 caps and serving as captain. His most notable achievement came in 2004 when he led Greece to victory in the UEFA Euro Championship, earning the title of Player of the Tournament. His leadership and skill on the pitch made him a celebrated figure in Greek football, and he was recognized as the Greek Male Athlete of the Year in 2004.
Political Career
Following his retirement from football, Zagorakis transitioned into politics, becoming a member of the New Democracy party. His experience as a sports leader has influenced his political career, where he continues to advocate for sports and youth development in Greece.
Zagorakis's legacy is not only defined by his achievements on the field but also by his commitment to serving his country, making him a respected figure in both sports and politics.
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Карьера и клубы
Zagorakis was described by UEFA.com as a "combative, industrious defensive midfielder with a powerful right-foot shot".
Kavala
Zagorakis was a central midfielder who could also play on the right side of midfield. He started his career with Kavala in 1988, the club that also produced Zisis Vryzas, with whom he became close friends. He was an important part of helping the team get into the Beta Ethniki.
PAOK
In the 1992–93 season, Zagorakis left Kavala as a winter transfer to join PAOK, part of a string of star transfers made that season. He played for PAOK until December 1997, and also captained the squad in his last two seasons. He rarely missed a league derby and scored important goals, particularly in 1994–95 when he struck four, his best-ever tally.
Leicester City
Zagorakis left for English club Leicester City the following winter and signed for Martin O'Neill's side in 1998. While in England, he took part in two consecutive League Cup finals at Wembley Stadium, losing the first against Tottenham Hotspur in 1999 and defeating Tranmere Rovers in the second, though he was an unused substitute in the latter. Zagorakis will always be fondly known by Leicester fans for his sheer determination in midfield and also his goalkeeping cameo against Crystal Palace, in a 3–3 draw, where he went in goal after Pegguy Arphexad and then Tim Flowers went off injured.
AEK Athens
Zagorakis was disappointed with Leicester manager Martin O'Neill's reluctance to use him regularly. Thus, he decided to return to Greece and on 3 July 2000 he signed for AEK Athens. There, he…
Zagorakis received his first cap for Greece on 7 September 1994, against the Faroe Islands. He scored his first goal against Denmark in 2006 World Cup qualifying, in Athens, while earning his 101st cap. Numbering 120 caps, Zagorakis was Greece's all-time leader in international games played until 12 October 2012, when Giorgos Karagounis made his 121st appearance for the national team. He earned his 100th against Kazakhstan on 17 November 2004, and was the team's longest-serving captain. Zagorakis played an important role in Greece's win in the 2004 European Championships, and was named the Player of the Tournament by UEFA and consequently he was in the Team of the Tournament. FIFA named Zagorakis as a contender for the 2004 FIFA World Player of the Year award (he finished in 17th place alongside Spain's and Real Madrid's legend, Raúl), as well as UEFA named him for the 2004 Ballon d'Or award (he finished in fifth place), behind the likes of Ronaldinho (third place) and Thierry Henry (fourth place). He holds the record of most consecutive matches (57) (except one in 2006 because of injury) of the national team (due to either injury or not selection) since his first cap in a period of 12 years. After 12 full playing years as the captain for Greece, Zagorakis announced his retirement from international football on 5 October 2006. More specifically, Greece captain was considering retiring after his team's European championship qualifier against Norway in Athens on 2 October…
- Club
- AEK Athens F.C. (2000–2004)
- Club
- PAOK FC (1993–1998)
- Club
- Bologna F.C. 1909 (2004–2005)
- Club
- PAOK FC (2005–2007)
- Club
- Leicester City F.C. (1998–2000)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- Greece
- Club
- A.E.K. (2000–2004)
- Club
- A.O. Kavalas (association football) (1988–1993)
- Club
- Greece men's national football team (1994–2007)
Личное
Zagorakis was featured on the cover of the Greek edition of FIFA 2001.
Клубы
- A.O. Kavalas (association football)1988–1993
- PAOK FC1993–1998
- Greece men's national football team1994–2007
- Leicester City F.C.1998–2000
- A.E.K.2000–2004
- AEK Athens F.C.2000–2004
- Bologna F.C. 19092004–2005
- PAOK FC2005–2007
Играл вместе с
Abdul Fatawu IssahakLeicester City F.C. · 2023
Adam MasinaBologna F.C. 1909 · 2013
Adaílton Martins BolzanBologna F.C. 1909 · 2007–2010
Ade AkinbiyiLeicester City F.C. · 2000–2002
Ademola LookmanLeicester City F.C. · 2021–2022
Adrien SilvaLeicester City F.C. · 2017–2020
Ahmed MusaLeicester City F.C. · 2016–2018
Alan SmithLeicester City F.C. · 1982–1987
Alberto GilardinoBologna F.C. 1909 · 2012–2013
Albin EkdalBologna F.C. 1909 · 2010–2011- Aldo CampatelliBologna F.C. 1909 · 1950–1953
Aldo DonatiBologna F.C. 1909 · 1929–1937
Архив
Паспорт
Идентификаторы и алиасы
Theodoros Zagorakis is a Greek politician and former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He was the captain of the Greece team that won UEFA Euro 2004, and was also captain and later president of PAOK. He was named the Greek Male Athlete of the Year in 2004.
Все ссылки
Мнения фанатов — не проверенные факты.
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