Player Profile: Konstantinos Fortounis

Kostas Fortounis has taken the Greek League by storm since he started his professional football career in 2008.

Midfielder/winger Fortounis started his career at Trikala, before going on to Asteras Tripoli, then having a stint in Germany with Kaiserslautern and finally signing with Olympiakos in 2014.

Fortounis as a teenager at Asteras Tripoli took the league by storm, in his one season there, he was approached by Juventus for a loan and buy deal, which was declined.

Fortounis received more interest from Juventus during his time at Kaiserslautern.

In 2014, Fortounis signed for Olympiakos, returning home after his stint in Germany. His youth career was played at this club, and returning home benefitted the player immensely for his overall development as one of Greece’s finest footballers.

His development sparked a selection in Greece’s side for Euro 2012, establishing a strong bond with Giorgios Karagounis and Jose Holebas. Although not picked for the 2014 World Cup, Fortounis’ string of strong performances domestically has made him become a regular outfit for the Ethniki.

Fortounis is known to be a threat as soon as he has the ball. Having pace on and off the ball, a goalscoring opportunity is likely with him in the starting XI. Finding gaps in the defence, and combining with his teammates down the flanks when he plays as a winger makes up the perfect ingredient for a number 10.

During his six years so far in Piraeus, Fortounis has secured 3 Super League titles and 1 Greek Cup. Personal accolades such as the top goalscorer in 2016, as well as Greek Footballer of the Year in 2016 and 2019 has made him a key figure for Greek football both domestically and internationally.

So far he has made 136 appearances racking up 54 goals at Olympiakos and as of August 2018, is club captain.

Photo Source: Transfermarkt.