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PAOK FC – Club History

PAOK FC (Panthessalonikios Athlitikos Omilos Konstantinoupoliton) was founded in 1926 in Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, by Greek refugees who had fled from Constantinople (modern Istanbul) following the population exchanges of the early 1920s. The club's name literally references "the pan-Thessalonian athletic club of Constantinopolitans", reflecting the profound refugee heritage that defines PAOK's identity and spirit. This origin story has given PAOK a distinctly passionate, proud, and sometimes confrontational character that sets them apart in Greek football and makes them the heart and soul of northern Greece's sporting life.

PAOK's early decades were spent establishing themselves in Greek football. The club competed in the domestic league and cup competitions and steadily built a reputation as a tough, combative side with a fierce supporter base. The Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki became known as one of the most intimidating grounds in Greek football, where opposition teams faced not only a committed PAOK side but also the extraordinary noise and passion of the club's fanatical supporters. This combination of quality and atmosphere made PAOK a formidable proposition at home throughout their history.

Greek Super League Success

PAOK won their first Greek Super League title in 1976 and added a second in 1985. After a long domestic drought, the club experienced a renaissance under Serbian coach Razvan Lucescu and then Igor Angelovski. Under Razvan Lucescu in particular, PAOK won three consecutive Greek Super League titles between 2019 and 2022, alongside multiple Greek Cup victories. This modern era transformed PAOK from consistent challengers into genuine champions, breaking the stranglehold of Athens clubs Olympiacos and Panathinaikos on the Greek title and asserting Thessaloniki's claim to be the true sporting capital of Greece.

European Football

PAOK's European adventures have produced memorable results against major clubs. In the 1972–73 UEFA Cup, PAOK had notable runs in the competition, while their more recent Europa League campaigns have seen them defeat sides from across Europe. In 2018–19, PAOK qualified for the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds and came close to reaching the group stage. Their Europa League campaigns under the Savvidis ownership era brought consistent European football and European nights that filled Toumba with electric atmosphere. The club's growing financial strength has made them increasingly competitive in UEFA competition.

Toumba Stadium

PAOK's home is the Toumba Stadium in the Toumba district of Thessaloniki, one of Greek football's most legendary and intimidating grounds. With a capacity of approximately 28,000, the ground is known across European football for its atmosphere, with the steep, enclosed stands creating extraordinary noise levels that have unsettled visiting clubs and officials alike. The stadium underwent renovation works in the 2010s to modernise facilities while preserving its unique character. Matchday at Toumba remains one of European football's most authentic and intense experiences, reflecting the club's passionate fanbase that numbers among the most devoted in the continent.

Legendary Players

PAOK has featured many outstanding players throughout its history. In the modern era, Stefanos Kapino was an excellent goalkeeper, while winger Léo Matos offered pace and quality from the right flank. Fernando Varela was a powerful defender. Diego Biseswar was a creative attacking midfielder who earned European recognition. Brazilian forward Chuba Akpom shone in the Europa League campaigns. Greek internationals like Giorgos Athanasiadis have been prolific scorers. Gojko Kačar brought quality and experience to the midfield. Aleksandar Prijović was a physical, goal-scoring striker who became a fan favourite in the title-winning era.

Key Milestones

1926 – Club founded by Greek refugees from Constantinople. 1976 – First Greek championship. 1985 – Second Greek championship. 1990s–2000s – Regular cup competition success. 2018 – Greek Cup victory. 2019 – Greek Super League title; broke Athens clubs' dominance. 2020 – Second consecutive Super League title. 2021 – Third Super League title. 2018–2022 – Era of sustained domestic success under Savvidis ownership. 2019 – Champions League qualifying rounds participation.