PAOK FC, a powerhouse in Greek football, has a rich history that dates back to 1926. Founded by Greek refugees from Constantinople, the club quickly became a symbol of resilience and pride for Thessaloniki. Playing home games at the iconic Toumba Stadium, PAOK boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in Northern Greece. With four Greek Super League titles and eight Greek Cups, their trophy cabinet reflects their competitive spirit. Under the leadership of Ivan Savvidis, the club has embraced digital transformation, launching PAOK TV and engaging millions of fans worldwide. Dive into the fascinating journey of PAOK FC and discover what makes this club a true legend in Greek football.
Key Takeaways:
- PAOK FC, founded by Greek refugees, has won the Greek Super League four times and the Greek Cup eight times, marking a rich history of success on the field.
- Under Ivan Savvidis's leadership, PAOK FC has embraced digital transformation, engaging fans with original content and earning the title of "Digital Brand of the Year."
Founding and Early Years
PAOK FC, a club with deep roots in Greek history, has a fascinating origin story. Let's explore the early days of this iconic football club.
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PAOK FC was founded on April 20, 1926, by Greek refugees from Constantinople following the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922). The club's name, "Pan-Thessalonian Athletic Club of Constantinopolitans," honors their heritage.
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The club's first official match was a 3-1 victory against Nea Genea Kalamaria on December 12, 1926, marking the beginning of their competitive journey.
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PAOK FC's original logo featured a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover, symbols of good luck and prosperity.
Home Stadium
The Toumba Stadium is more than just a venue; it's a fortress for PAOK FC and their passionate fans.
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PAOK FC plays their home games at the Toumba Stadium, a 29,000-seat football ground in Thessaloniki, also known as the PAOK Stadium.
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The stadium is synonymous with the borough of Toumba, creating a strong local identity for the club.
Support and Fan Base
PAOK FC's fans are known for their unwavering support and dedication. Let's delve into what makes their fan base so special.
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PAOK FC is one of the most widely supported clubs in Northern Greece, boasting the third-largest fan base in the country.
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The club's fans are known for their passion, making them a formidable presence in Greek football.
Historical Achievements
PAOK FC has a rich history of success on the field. Here are some of their most notable achievements.
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PAOK FC has won the Greek Super League four times (1976, 1985, 2019, 2024).
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They have also claimed the Greek Cup eight times (1972, 1974, 2001, 2003, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021).
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In 2019, PAOK FC became Greek Super League champions after 34 years, marking a new era for the club.
Digital Transformation
Under Ivan Savvidis's leadership, PAOK FC has embraced the digital age, transforming how they engage with fans.
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PAOK FC underwent a significant digital transformation, creating original daily news and video shows to engage fans directly.
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The club launched PAOK TV in 2019, managing their own TV rights worldwide and demonstrating their commitment to independence.
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PAOK FC's digital efforts earned them the title of "Digital Brand of the Year" in 2020 and 2021.
Ownership and Influence
Ivan Savvidis has played a crucial role in PAOK FC's recent success. Let's look at his impact on the club.
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Ivan Savvidis, a Russian-Greek businessman, bought the club in 2012 and has helped them regain their elite status in Greek football.
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Savvidis owns several prominent media outlets, including Radiotileoptiki S.A., Open TV, and newspapers Ethnos and Imerisia.
Controversies and Political Influence
Savvidis's ownership has not been without controversy. Here are some notable incidents.
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Savvidis facilitated the contentious Prespa agreement, aligning the club with the government, which drew both praise and criticism.
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In 2018, a mass protest against the club's cultural and historical heritage was overshadowed by a home match against Lamia, drawing 28,000 fans to Toumba Stadium.
Fan Engagement
PAOK FC has made significant efforts to engage their fans through various initiatives.
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The club branded their players and each season with specific mottos like "The Future Is Here," "Ready To Fight," "Dare To Dream," and "Own The Top."
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PAOK FC produced two documentaries: one on winning the Greek Cup in 2018 and another about winning the Double in 2019.
Seasonal Performance
PAOK FC has consistently performed well in the Greek Super League. Here are some highlights.
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In the 2023-2024 season, they finished first with 25 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, securing 80 points.
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The team's top scorer in the 2023-2024 season was Kiril Despodov with 11 goals.
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Dominik Kotarski was the team's goalkeeper in the 2023-2024 season.
Historical Seasonal Records
PAOK FC holds several historical records in Greek football.
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In the 1972-73 Alpha Ethniki season, they achieved 27 wins from 34 games.
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In the 2018-19 Super League Greece season, they won 26 games out of 30, setting a record for most league wins in a season.
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The club secured 15 consecutive wins in the 2017-18 season and 10 consecutive league wins from the start of the 2018-19 season.
Continental Competitions
PAOK FC has showcased their prowess on the European stage. Here are some of their continental achievements.
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In the 2023-24 season, they achieved six consecutive continental wins.
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The club has participated in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, reaching the group stage in the UEFA Champions League during the 2018-2019 season.
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One of PAOK FC's most notable achievements is their biggest comeback win against Spartak Trnava in the UEFA Cup, ending 5-3 in favor of PAOK FC.
Founding of AC P.A.O.K.
PAOK FC is the oldest department of the major multi-sport club AC P.A.O.K.
- AC P.A.O.K. was closely linked with Hermes Sports Club, formed in 1875 by the Greek community of Pera, a district of Istanbul (Constantinople).
Managerial Changes
PAOK FC has had several managers throughout their history, each contributing to the club's success.
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The club's current managerial structure focuses on continuous improvement and adapting to changing circumstances in Greek football.
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Under the management of Răzvan Lucescu, PAOK FC won the Greek Super League and the Greek Cup in the 2018-2019 season, becoming the first Greek club to achieve the Double in 2019.
Player Transfers
PAOK FC has a history of attracting top talent from around the world.
- In recent seasons, the club has signed players like Kiril Despodov and Dominik Kotarski, who have significantly contributed to their success.
Attendance Records
PAOK FC has consistently high attendance figures at their home games.
- In the 2018-2019 season, their average attendance was 18,639 fans per match, demonstrating strong support from their fans.
Top Scorers
The club has had several top scorers throughout their history.
- In the 2018-2019 season, Aleksandar Prijović scored 9 goals, while in the 2023-2024 season, Kiril Despodov led the team with 11 goals.
Goalkeepers
PAOK FC has had several notable goalkeepers who have contributed to their success.
- In the 2018-2019 season, Alexandros Paschalakis was the team's goalkeeper, while in the 2023-2024 season, Dominik Kotarski held the position.
PAOK FC: A Legacy of Passion and Success
PAOK FC stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and cultural heritage. Founded in 1926 by Greek refugees, the club has grown into one of Greece's premier football teams. With a dedicated fan base, PAOK FC has achieved significant milestones, including four Greek Super League titles and eight Greek Cups. The club's digital transformation under Ivan Savvidis has further cemented its status, making PAOK a media powerhouse. From their historic Toumba Stadium to their innovative PAOK TV, the club continues to engage and inspire fans. Despite controversies, PAOK's commitment to excellence and community remains unwavering. As they look to the future, PAOK FC's legacy of success and passion will undoubtedly continue to shine, making them a beloved institution in Thessaloniki and beyond.
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