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Apostolos Giannou

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Apostolos Giannou
Giannou playing for Australia at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup
Personal information
Full name Apostolos Giannou
Date of birth (1990-01-25) 25 January 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth Naousa, Greece
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Ilioupoli
Number 99
Youth career
2003–2004 Oakleigh Cannons
2004–2005 South Melbourne
2005–2006 VIS
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007 Oakleigh Cannons 7 (1)
2007–2009 Apollon Kalamarias 29 (6)
2009–2011 Kavala 14 (2)
2011–2013 PAOK 26 (3)
2013 → Platanias (loan) 9 (1)
2013–2015 Panionios 60 (13)
2015–2016 Asteras Tripolis 21 (13)
2016–2018 Guangzhou R&F 29 (7)
2018–2020 AEK Larnaca 54 (7)
2020–2022 OFI 17 (0)
2022 Macarthur 20 (3)
2022–2023 Kerala Blasters 17 (2)
2024– Ilioupoli 0 (0)
International career‡
2006 Australia U17 8 (2)
2008–2009 Greece U19 7 (0)
2010–2012 Greece U21 13 (2)
2015 Greece 1 (0)
2016–2019 Australia 12 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 January 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:36, 10 October 2019 (UTC)

Apostolos Giannou (Greek: Απόστολος Γιάννου; born 25 January 1990) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Super League 2 club Ilioupoli. Born in Greece, he represented various Greek and Australian youth national teams, including one friendly with the Greece national team, before appearing competitively for the Australia national team.

Club career

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Early life and career

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Giannou was born in Naousa, Greece, but moved to Australia at a young age and grew up in Melbourne, Victoria. In Australia he was known as Paul.

Giannou played junior football for Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne. Following state representative honours at under-14 and under-15 level, Giannou was selected for the VIS by Ernie Merrick. At the Victorian Institute of Sport, he trained alongside Andreas Govas, Matthew Spiranovic, Adrian Leijer, Leigh Broxham, Milos Lujic, Dimitri Hatzimouratis and Matthew Theodore.[2]

He took part in Melbourne Victory's pre-season friendlies prior to the 2006–07 A-League season with an intention of being signed in an apprenticeship capacity. However, Giannou secured a two-week trial with PSV Eindhoven's Reserve and Academy teams.[3] Giannou was assured that if he did not sign with the Dutch club, he could return to Melbourne Victory.[4] Despite the unsuccessful trial, Giannou came back to Melbourne and signed a six-month contract with Victorian Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons.

Apollon Kalamarias

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On 2007, Giannou was transferred to Greek first division side Apollon Kalamarias. Giannou netted his first goal for Apollon Kalamarias in late 2008, an 81st minute consolation goal in a 3–1 defeat at home to Kerkyra.[5] Giannou would go on to score 5 more times in the 2008–2009 Beta Ethniki season before being transferred to Kavala, who had gained promotion to Superleague Greece for the 2009–10 season, on a five-year contract.

Kavala

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On 21 November 2009 Giannou debuted for Kavala where he was substituted on after 79 minutes, after being played through on goal Giannou neatly passed the ball into the back of the net on the 88th minute mark to seal a 2–1 victory against AEK Athens.[6][7] Down the track, Giannou was one of five Australians in the Greek side as the club welcomed the arrivals of Robert Stambolziev, Zeljko Kalac, Andreas Govas and Craig Moore.

PAOK

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After the relegation of Kavala, Zisis Vryzas had brought him to PAOK and Giannou was set free and on 30 September 2011 signed a three-year contract with P.A.O.K.[8] He made his first appearance for the club during the 2011–12 season in a 0–0 draw against OFI on 16 October, where he was substituted onto the field for Vladimir Ivic in the 78th minute.[9] Giannou scored his first goals for the club, a brace, in a 2–0 away victory against OFI on 11 February.[10]

Panionios

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On 2 September 2013 Panionios proceeded to a significant addition to its roster, by announcing the acquisition of Giannou. The 23-year-old striker was released by PAOK, as it was not in the plans of Huub Stevens, but did not stay for long time as unemployed and immediately signing a two-years' contract with the club.

Asteras Tripolis

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On 9 June 2015, Giannou signed a three years' contract with Asteras Tripoli for an undisclosed fee.[11] He scored on his debut against Panthrakikos F.C. he also scored 2 matchdays later a penalty against Kaloni F.C. On 27 September 2015, on the 5th day of the 2015–16 season he scored in a 2–1 away loss against Levadiakos.[12] On 5 October 2015, he scored the only goal of his club in a 1–1 home draw against Platanias F.C. On 25 October 2015, after three consecutive unsuccessful results, he scored twice, one with a penalty-kick in the 2–1 away win against PAS Giannina. He was named man of the match.[13] On 5 November 2015, Asteras Tripoli ended a run of seven European games without a win to breathe life into their flagging group campaign, by winning APOEL. Giannou scored the second goal in a 2–0 home win in the extra time of first half after Pablo Mazza's assist.[14][15] It was his first goal in UEFA campaigns. On 29 November 2015, was anointed scorer with a second attempt after the successful repulse of the penalty from Roberto in overtime in a 3–1 away loss against Greek champions Olympiakos.[16] On 5 December 2015, he scored the only goal in the 2–1 home loss against Iraklis,[17] that keeping the unbeaten tradition against Asteras Tripoli. On 2 January 2016, he scored twice to a comfortable 4–0 home win against Panthrakikos.[18] With these goals, he scored his eleventh goal in this year's season setting a new personal season's scoring record after last year's 10 goals with Panionios.[19]

On 20 February 2016, the Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua offer more than €2 million to buy 26-year-old striker of Asteras Tripolis. The Greek club ask for at least €3 million to sell its first scorer, who can not be replaced with a transfer until summer, while Giannou seems to have already agreed terms with the team of his compatriot, Avraam Papadopoulos, which offers him more than €1 million for every year of contract.[20]

Guangzhou R&F

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On 24 February 2016, Giannou has agreed to continue his career at the Chinese club Guangzhou R&F instead of Shanghai Shenhua. Asteras Tripolis have accepted a bid of €2.5 million for the Greek striker who is heading to China to undergo medical and complete his move. Giannou has agreed terms with Guangzhou with a lucrative three years' contract of €1.6 million yearly.[21][22]

AEK Larnaca

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On 25 January 2018, Guangzhou R&F confirmed that Giannou joined AEK Larnaca.[23]

OFI

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On 22 September 2020, Giannou after leaving AEK Larnaca, has decided to continue his career in Greece, signing a two-years deal with OFI Crete F.C., for an undisclosed fee.[24]

Macarthur FC

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On 13 January 2022, Giannou after leaving OFI,[25] has decided to continue his career in Australia, signing a deal with Macarthur FC, for an undisclosed fee.[26]

Kerala Blasters

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On 8 July 2022, Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters announced Giannou as the club's first foreign signing ahead of the 2022–23 season.[27] Giannou's Indian Super League debut with the Blasters came on 7 October 2022 in a 3–1 win against East Bengal on the opening day of the 2022–23 season.[28] He scored his first goal for the club on 11 December against their southern rivals Bengaluru FC, where he scored the third goal for the Blasters within two minutes after coming as a substitute in the 68th minute as the Blasters won the match 3–2 at full-time.[29] He scored his second goal of the season against Jamshedpur FC on 3 January 2023, where he scored the first goal for the Blasters from a backheel flick in the 9th minute and helped the Blasters to win the match 3–1 at home.[30] Later the season, Giannou was included in the Blasters' squad for the 2023 Indian Super Cup,[31] and made his cup debut for the Blasters in the 3–1 victory against RoundGlass Punjab FC on 8 April 2023.[32]

International career

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In 2006, Giannou represented the Australia under-17 team at the AFC U-17 Championship 2006 Qualification. Giannou scored in Australia's 3–1 win against Indonesia.[33] Giannou was the only Victorian player selected for Australia's under-17 side that took part in the International Youth Football tournament in Niigata, Japan. The team finished top of their respective group as Giannou scored a goal in a 5–1 win against Albirex Niigata.[34]

In July 2008, Giannou was listed in a group of Australian footballers aged between 16 and 22 known as "the lost boys", including Dean Bouzanis, Andreas Govas and Robert Stambolziev, who were likely to play for or had played for national teams of the country of their heritage.[35][36]

In 2008, Giannou represented the Greece under-19 team at the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship elite qualification where Greece qualified for the Championship finals, he played alongside Australian Dean Bouzanis. Under coach Alexis Alexiou, Giannou appeared twice at the European Under-19 Championships when he was substituted on in a 1–1 draw against Italy and started in a 3–0 loss against England as Greece finished at the bottom of their group.[37][38][39][40]

On 5 September 2010, Giannou returned to the international stage after two years' absence, he was selected for the Greece under-21 team for a 2011 European Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Macedonia which Greece won 2–1.[41][42][43]

On 24 March 2015, Giannou was selected but did not appear for the Greece national team for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Hungary.[44]

On 5 November 2015, Giannou was selected but did not appear for the Greece national team for the friendly matches against Luxembourg and Turkey.[45] On 17 November, he made his debut appearance with Greece as a late substitute for Kostas Mitroglou in a 0–0 away draw against Turkey.[46]

He was capped by Greece, on 25 February 2016, but Giannou declared his intent to play for Australia.[47]

Giannou was called up for Australia for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Tajikistan and Jordan on 9 March 2016.[48] Giannou made his debut for Australia in a 7–0 win against Tajikistan on 24 March 2016. He assisted Massimo Luongo for Australia's first goal of the match, and won two penalties for Australia, which were converted by Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan for Australia's second and third goals.[49]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 12 April 2023[50]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Oakleigh Cannons 2007 Victorian Premier League 7 1 0 0 – 7 1
Apollon Kalamarias 2007–08 Super League Greece 8 0 0 0 – 8 0
2008–09 Super League Greece 2 21 6 0 0 – 21 6
Total 29 6 0 0 – 29 6
Kavala 2009–10 Super League Greece 5 1 1 0 – 6 1
2010–11 Super League Greece 9 0 1 0 – 10 0
Total 14 1 2 0 – 16 1
PAOK 2011–12 Super League Greece 15 2 0 0 2[b] 0 17 2
2012–13 Super League Greece 11 1 3 2 3[b] 0 17 3
Total 26 3 3 2 5 0 34 5
Platanias (loan) 2012–13 Super League Greece 9 1 1 0 – 10 1
Panionios 2013–14 Super League Greece 28 3 5 1 – 33 4
2014–15 Super League Greece 32 10 6 2 – 38 12
Total 60 13 11 3 – 71 16
Asteras Tripoli 2015–16 Super League Greece 21 13 3 0 6[b] 1 30 14
Guangzhou R&F 2016 Chinese Super League 22 5 3 1 – 25 6
2017 Chinese Super League 7 2 0 0 – 7 2
Total 29 7 3 1 – 32 8
AEK Larnaca 2017–18 Cypriot First Division 11 2 6 3 0 0 17 5
2018–19 Cypriot First Division 24 4 3 1 12[b] 3 39 8
2019–20 Cypriot First Division 19 1 3 0 6[b] 1 28 2
Total 54 7 12 4 18 4 84 15
OFI 2020–21 Super League Greece 15 0 0 0 – 15 0
2021–22 Super League Greece 2 0 2 0 – 4 0
Total 17 0 2 0 0 0 19 0
Macarthur 2021–22 A-League Men 20 3 0 0 0 0 20 3
Kerala Blasters 2022–23 Indian Super League 17 2 2 0 — 19 2
Career total 296 55 39 10 29 5 372 71
  1. ^ Includes Greek Cup, Chinese FA Cup, Cypriot Cup, Indian Super Cup
  2. ^ a b c d e Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International

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As of match played on 10 September 2019
Greece
Year Apps Goals
2015 1 0
Total 1 0
Australia
Year Apps Goals
2016 5 0
2017 0 0
2018 1 1
2019 6 1
Total 12 2

International goals

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Scores and results list Australia's goal tally first.[51]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 15 October 2018 Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait  Kuwait 2–0 4–0 Friendly
2. 11 January 2019 Rashid Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Palestine 3–0 3–0 2019 AFC Asian Cup

Honours

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AEK Larnaca

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "A. Giannou". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  2. ^ "My Football Journey: Andreas Govas – Corner Flag".
  3. ^ "Fox Sports | Live Sports Scores | NRL, AFL, Cricket Scores". Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
  4. ^ "Fox Sports | Live Sports Scores | NRL, AFL, Cricket Scores". Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2009.
  5. ^ "Apollon Pontou vs. Kerkyra - 21 December 2008 - Soccerway".
  6. ^ "- YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Kavala vs. AEK Athens - 21 November 2009 - Soccerway".
  8. ^ "Giannou in PAOK (in Greek)". paokfc.gr. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  9. ^ "PAOK vs. OFI - 16 October 2011 - Soccerway".
  10. ^ "OFI vs. PAOK - 11 February 2012 - Soccerway".
  11. ^ Στους Αρκάδες ο Γιάννου! Archived 15 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 9 June 2015
  12. ^ Με σούπερ Μάντζιο, 2–1 ο Λεβαδειακός τον Αστέρα Τρίπολης Archived 28 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 27 September 2015
  13. ^ ΠΑΣ Γιάννινα – Αστέρας Τρίπολης 1–2: Αστέρι ήταν ο Γιάννου! Archived 29 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 25 October 2015
  14. ^ Europa League: Αστέρας Τρίπολης – ΑΠΟΕΛ ( 2–0) Archived 6 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 5 November 2015
  15. ^ Αστέρας Τρίπολης – ΑΠΟΕΛ 2–0 Archived 6 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 5 November 2015
  16. ^ Ολυμπιακός – Αστέρας LIVE Archived 30 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 29 November 2015
  17. ^ Διατήρησε την παράδοση ο Ηρακλής, 2–1 τον Αστέρα Archived 5 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 5 December 2015
  18. ^ Comfortable win for Asteras Tripolis Archived 7 July 2018 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2 January 2016
  19. ^ Το ρεκόρ του Γιάννου και το μηδέν στην άμυνα! Archived 3 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 3 January 2016
  20. ^ Amazing transfer offer from China for Giannou Archived 9 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 20 February 2016
  21. ^ Giannou seals move to Guangzhou Archived 16 January 2019 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 24 February 2016
  22. ^ Έκλεισε στην Guangzhou R&F ο Γιάννου! Archived 7 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 24 February 2016
  23. ^ 公告 | 送别澳洲神锋，吉安努转会拉纳卡AEK Archived 11 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 25 January 2018
  24. ^ "Ανακοινώθηκε επίσημα ο Γιάννου στον ΟΦΗ" (in Greek). www.protothema.gr. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  25. ^ "ΟΦΗ: Τέλος ο Γιάννου" (in Greek). www.sport24.gr. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  26. ^ "Bulls Secure Apostolos Giannou" (in Greek). macarthurfc.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 January 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  27. ^ "Greek-Australia international Apostolos Giannou signs for Kerala Blasters". Khel Now. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Kerala Blasters duo Luna, Kalyuzhnyi overcome personal struggles to shine on opening night of Indian Super League". The Indian Express. 7 October 2022. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  29. ^ Rayan, Stan (11 December 2022). "ISL 2022-23: Kerala Blasters beat Bengaluru FC 3-2 to extend winning run". sportstar.thehindu.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022. He scored his second goal of the season with a backheel flick against Jamshedpur FC.
  30. ^ "ISL: Kerala Blasters outplay Jamshedpur FC 3-1". The Times of India. 3 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  31. ^ Sportstar, Team (3 April 2023). "Super Cup 2023: Kerala Blasters announces 29-men squad". sportstar.thehindu.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  32. ^ Sportstar, Team (8 April 2023). "Kerala Blasters vs RoundGlass Punjab FC HIGHLIGHTS, Super Cup 2023: Diamantakos, Nishu and Rahul score to give Kerala 3-1 win". sportstar.thehindu.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  33. ^ Qantas Joeys V Indonesia – Full Report. Archived 11 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine.
  34. ^ "Error | Football Federation Australia". Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2010.
  35. ^ "The lost boys?". Newcastle Herald. 10 July 2008. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  36. ^ "The lost boys?". The Sydney Morning Herald. 11 July 2008. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  37. ^ "Uefa.com – UEFA European U-19 C'ship – Fixtures & Results – Match specific". Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  38. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  39. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  40. ^ "Uefa.com – UEFA European U-19 C'ship – Fixtures & Results – Match specific". Archived from the original on 14 August 2009. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  41. ^ "North Macedonia-Greece | Under-21". Archived from the original on 7 September 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2010.
  42. ^ "UEFA.com – Under-21 – Giannou". uefa.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2010.
  43. ^ FYR Macedonia U21 vs. Greece U21 1 – 2
  44. ^ "South Junior selected for Greek National Team". 24 March 2015. Archived from the original on 26 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  45. ^ "Οι πρώτοι 25 του Σκίμπε". 6 November 2015. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
  46. ^ "Πίσω στιβαρή, μπροστά ακίνδυνη η Εθνική στο 0–0 με την Τουρκία". Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  47. ^ Garb, Daniel (25 February 2016). "Apostolos Giannou signs for Guangzhou RF, declares intention to play for Socceroos". Fox Sports. News Corporation. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  48. ^ "Caltex Socceroos squad for March WC qualifiers". Football Federation Australia. 9 March 2016. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  49. ^ Stoll, Nick (24 March 2016). "Socceroos score seven in scintillating win over Tajikistan". SBS. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  50. ^ Apostolos Giannou at Soccerway
  51. ^ "Giannou, Apostolos". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 22 October 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  52. ^ Somerford, Ben (17 May 2018). "Cup success for Socceroos World Cup discard". FTBL.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
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