Births on February 9

Angelos Charisteas, Greek footballer

Introduction: Angelos Charisteas – From Iconic Forward to Sporting Director

Angelos Charisteas (Greek: Άγγελος Χαριστέας, pronounced [ˈaɲɟelos xariˈste.as]), born on 9 February 1980, is a revered Greek former professional footballer primarily known for his impactful role as a powerful forward. Renowned for his aerial prowess, physical strength, and clinical finishing, Charisteas left an indelible mark on Greek and European football. Post-retirement from active play, he transitioned seamlessly into football administration and currently serves as the sporting director for Aris Thessaloniki, the very club where he began his professional journey, demonstrating a profound, lifelong connection to the sport and the city.

A Distinguished Club Career Across Europe

Charisteas’s club career spanned over a decade and a half, taking him through several prominent leagues across Europe. His journey showcases a blend of loyalty, ambition, and impactful contributions:

• Aris Thessaloniki (1997–2002, 2013-2014): Starting his professional career at his hometown club, Aris Thessaloniki, Charisteas quickly established himself as a promising talent in the Greek Super League. His initial five-year spell laid the foundation for his future success, where he honed his skills as a potent attacking force. He later returned to the club for a brief period in the twilight of his playing days.
• Werder Bremen (2002–2005): His move to Germany proved highly successful. At Werder Bremen, Charisteas was instrumental in a historic period for the club, contributing significantly to their triumphant 2003-04 season where they achieved a domestic 'double' by winning both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). His contributions during this era cemented his reputation as a reliable and effective forward on the European stage.
• Ajax (2005–2006): Following his success in Germany, Charisteas moved to the Netherlands to join Dutch giants AFC Ajax. During his time in Amsterdam, he added the KNVB Cup (Dutch Cup) to his trophy cabinet in 2006, further demonstrating his ability to succeed in different footballing cultures.
• Feyenoord (2006–2007): In a rare move for a player, Charisteas then transferred to Ajax’s arch-rivals, Feyenoord, showcasing his adaptability and readiness to embrace new challenges even amidst intense rivalries.
• Bayer Leverkusen (2007–2008): He returned to the German Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, continuing his tenure in one of Europe’s top leagues, where he maintained his consistent performance levels.
• Schalke 04 (2010–2011, loan): Later in his career, Charisteas had another stint in Germany, notably on loan at Schalke 04, further solidifying his experience in the challenging Bundesliga environment.
• Later Career: His subsequent club spells included brief periods with Arles-Avignon in France (2011) and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia (2013), before concluding his playing career.

International Glory: The Hero of UEFA Euro 2004

Angelos Charisteas’s international career is most famously defined by his heroic performances for the Greece national team, for whom he earned 88 caps and scored 25 goals, making him one of Greece's all-time leading goalscorers. His name is synonymous with Greece's astonishing victory at UEFA Euro 2004, an achievement widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in football history.

The UEFA Euro 2004 Triumph

As part of Otto Rehhagel’s defensively astute and tactically disciplined Greek squad, Charisteas emerged as a crucial offensive weapon. His physical presence and aerial ability were perfectly suited to Greece’s counter-attacking style, and he delivered three pivotal goals throughout the tournament, each more significant than the last:

• Group Stage (vs. Spain): He scored the vital equalizer against Spain, securing a crucial 1-1 draw that helped Greece progress from a challenging group.
• Quarter-final (vs. France): In a stunning upset, Charisteas headed in the only goal against reigning European champions France, eliminating one of the tournament favorites and propelling Greece unexpectedly into the semi-finals.
• Final (vs. Portugal): The defining moment of his career and Greek football came in the final against host nation Portugal. In the 57th minute, Charisteas rose majestically to head home a corner kick, scoring the solitary goal that sealed a historic 1-0 victory for Greece. This iconic goal secured Greece's first and only major international trophy, forever cementing Charisteas's legacy as a national hero.

Further International Representation

Beyond the Euro 2004 triumph, Charisteas continued to be a stalwart for Greece, representing his nation in other major tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His consistent presence and goal-scoring threat remained a key asset for the national team throughout his career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angelos Charisteas

What is Angelos Charisteas's current role?

Angelos Charisteas currently serves as the sporting director for Aris Thessaloniki, the Greek professional football club where he began his playing career.

What was Angelos Charisteas's most significant achievement as a player?

His most significant achievement was undoubtedly scoring the winning goal for Greece in the final of UEFA Euro 2004 against Portugal, securing Greece's historic first major international football trophy.

How many goals did Angelos Charisteas score at Euro 2004?

He scored three crucial goals during UEFA Euro 2004: against Spain in the group stage, against France in the quarter-finals, and the winning goal against Portugal in the final.

Which major clubs did Angelos Charisteas play for?

Angelos Charisteas played for several notable clubs, including Aris Thessaloniki, Werder Bremen, Ajax, Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen, and Schalke 04.