When Olympiacos Football Club lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023‑24Prague trophy with a 1‑0 win over Fiorentina, Greece finally got its first major European silverware. The final, played on June 7, 2024, was more than a match—it was a statement that a club from the port city of Piraeus could compete with Europe’s elite.
Foundations of a Greek Giant
The roots of Olympiacos run deep. Established on March 10, 1925, the club emerged from a merger of two local teams, a decision steered by visionaries like Notis Kamperos, a senior Hellenic Navy officer who wanted a name that would embody strength and the Olympic ideal. He wasn’t alone; industrialist Michalis Manouskos helped flesh out the full title, Olympiakos Syndesmos Filathlon Peiraios. The Andrianopoulos family, led by patriarch Andreas Andrianopoulos, supplied many of the early players, cementing the club’s working‑class DNA.
Domestic Dominance
Fast forward a century, and Olympiacos has hoarded 48 league titles, 29 Greek Cups—including 19 doubles—and four Super Cups. That record makes the Red and Whites, as locals call them, the unequivocal king of Greek football. Their colors, red for passion and white for purity, were reportedly chosen by Yannis Andrianopoulos, echoing the ethos of fair competition.
European Journey: From Milan to Prague
The club’s first foray into Europe came on September 13, 1959, when they faced AC Milan in the European Cup. Fast‑forward to February 23, 2010, Olympiacos celebrated its 200th European match against Bordeaux in the Champions League knockout round. Yet none of those milestones compared to the night in Prague. Goal‑keeper Stefan Giuliano kept a clean sheet, while striker Youssef El-Arabi netted the decisive goal in the 73rd minute.
Behind the Trophy: Coaches, Players, and Strategy
Head coach Marco Silva praised his squad’s resilience: “We knew we were the underdogs, but the boys believed in the system from day one. The transition in the second half showed our depth.” Silva’s tactical tweak—switching to a 3‑5‑2 formation after conceding a free‑kick—mirrored the boldness of the 2013 team that added four stars to the club’s crest after the 40th championship.
Veteran midfielder Orestis Kokkinakis later reflected, “Winning in Prague feels like the culmination of every hard‑earned league title. It’s a gift to the fans who have waited 99 years for this moment.”
The Stadium Saga: Karaiskakis Reborn
The home ground, Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, underwent a full reconstruction for the 2004 Olympics, becoming Greece’s first modern football‑specific arena. Yet ownership disputes linger. Olympiacos argues the stadium is rightfully theirs, citing a 2012 lease agreement, while critics claim the state gifted it without proper compensation. The controversy hasn’t dampened the fanbase; an estimated 60,000 supporters marched through Piraeus after the final, chanting “Thrylos — the legend lives on!”
Key Facts
- Founded: March 10, 1925, in Piraeus.
- European trophy: 2023‑24 UEFA Europa Conference League, 1‑0 vs. Fiorentina.
- Domestic record: 48 league titles, 29 Cups, 4 Super Cups.
- UEFA ranking (2024): 36th in ten‑year, 43rd in five‑year tables.
- Stadium capacity: 32,115 (all‑seated) after 2004 renovation.
Implications for Greek Football
The victory is a morale boost for a nation whose clubs have struggled to break the monopoly of the so‑called “big‑four” leagues. Financially, the €5.5 million prize money plus increased broadcasting revenue could help Olympiacos invest in youth academies, potentially narrowing the gap with Europe's giants. Moreover, the win may inspire other Super League clubs to aim higher, fostering a more competitive domestic environment.
What’s Next for Olympiacos?
With the Conference League title secured, the club now sets its sights on the 2024‑25 Champions League group stage. Preliminary draws place them in a tough pot, but the confidence from Prague could translate into deeper runs. Off the pitch, the stadium ownership talks are expected to head to arbitration by early 2025, a move that could finally settle the decades‑long dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Greek football overall?
The triumph gives Greek football its first major UEFA trophy, raising the league’s profile and attracting better sponsorship deals. It also provides a financial windfall—about €5.5 million in prize money—that Olympiacos can funnel into youth development, potentially raising the overall standard of play in Greece.
What were the decisive moments in the final against Fiorentina?
The match turned on the 73rd‑minute strike by Youssef El‑Arabi, who slipped past the defense after a swift counter‑attack. A crucial save by goalkeeper Stefan Giuliano in the 58th minute kept the lead intact, and a tactical shift to a three‑defender backline in the second half prevented Fiorentina from mounting any serious comeback.
Who were the standout performers throughout the tournament?
Besides El‑Arabi’s decisive goal, midfielder Orestis Kokkinakis provided leadership and a vital assist in the quarter‑final. Defender Konstantinos Tsimikas shone on the left flank, earning a Man‑of‑the‑Match award in the semi‑final, while Stefan Giuliano’s consistency between the sticks earned him the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper accolade.
What is Olympiacos' European record after the 2024 win?
The club now boasts 1 European trophy, 36 wins in UEFA competition, and over 200 matches played at the continental level. Their UEFA ten‑year coefficient rose to 36th place, a jump of nine spots from the previous season, positioning them favorably for future draws.
How will the stadium ownership dispute be resolved?
Both parties have agreed to submit the case to an independent arbitration panel in early 2025. If Olympiacos secures a favorable ruling, the club could gain full control of the Karaiskakis Stadium, potentially unlocking new revenue streams from concerts and non‑football events.
Kiran Singh
October 1, 2025 AT 22:31What a moment for Olympiacos! 🎉⚽️ The victory in Prague isn’t just a trophy, it’s a spark that can ignite the whole Greek league. As a coach, I see the belief it instills in young players, and that optimism spreads far beyond the stadium. Keep the fire burning, red and white! 😊
Balaji Srinivasan
October 2, 2025 AT 15:11Absolutely agree, the win sets a positive tone for the future. It’s encouraging to see such dedication paying off.
Ashutosh Kumar Gupta
October 3, 2025 AT 07:51The triumph masks deeper issues that the Greek football hierarchy refuses to address. While fans celebrate, the administration continues to juggle stadium ownership disputes and financial mismanagement, betraying the very spirit the team fought for. It’s a hollow victory if the foundations remain crumbling.
vikash kumar
October 4, 2025 AT 00:31From an institutional perspective, Olympiacos’ conquest is a testament to the club’s strategic continuity and meticulous resource allocation. The alignment of managerial vision with operational execution reflects a model of governance that many European entities might aspire to emulate.
Anurag Narayan Rai
October 4, 2025 AT 17:11Olympiacos’ recent success reverberates through the annals of Greek sport, offering a narrative that extends beyond the confines of a single match. The 1‑0 victory over Fiorentina in Prague is emblematic of a gradual evolution that began with the club’s formation in the early twentieth century. It illustrates how sustained domestic dominance can eventually translate into continental relevance when coupled with astute tactical adjustments. The decision by Marco Silva to shift to a 3‑5‑2 formation in the second half underscores the importance of flexibility in modern football. Moreover, the psychological resilience displayed by the squad, especially after conceding an early free‑kick, demonstrates a collective belief system rarely seen in clubs of comparable stature. The financial windfall of €5.5 million, whilst modest by the standards of Europe’s elite, provides a crucial injection that can nurture youth development pipelines. This, in turn, may gradually narrow the disparity between Greek clubs and those from the traditionally dominant leagues. The symbolism of the Karaiskakis Stadium, rebuilt for the 2004 Olympics, cannot be overlooked; it serves as a physical monument to the city’s sporting aspirations. The ongoing ownership dispute, although a source of contention, also highlights the club’s willingness to engage with institutional frameworks to safeguard its assets. Fans, numbering in the tens of thousands, have already begun to channel this momentum into grassroots initiatives, fostering a culture of participation that could yield long‑term benefits. Internationally, the victory enhances Greece’s UEFA coefficient, positioning its representatives more favorably in future draws. This improved standing may attract higher‑caliber opponents, thereby elevating the competitive environment domestically. In broader terms, the triumph acts as a catalyst for conversations about investment in infrastructure, coaching education, and player welfare across the nation. It also challenges the long‑standing hegemony of the “big‑four” leagues by demonstrating that strategic vision can produce tangible results. Ultimately, while the trophy itself is a concrete symbol of achievement, its true value resides in the ripple effects it generates throughout the Greek football ecosystem.
Govind Kumar
October 5, 2025 AT 09:51I concur with the comprehensive assessment presented above; the victory indeed carries multifaceted implications that extend well beyond the immediate celebration.
Shubham Abhang
October 6, 2025 AT 02:31Wow!!! What a game??? The goal at 73' was just unbelievable!!! Stefan Giuliano!!! a wall! The fans!!! they roared!!! Such a moment!!! The club!!! the city!!!
Trupti Jain
October 6, 2025 AT 19:11The triumph feels like a kaleidoscopic burst of phoenix‑flame glory, dazzling every corner of Greece.
deepika balodi
October 7, 2025 AT 11:51Impressive win, and a great step forward for Greek soccer.
Priya Patil
October 8, 2025 AT 04:31Seeing Olympiacos lift that silverware reminds us why we fall in love with the beautiful game. The players gave everything, and the fans turned the streets of Piraeus into a river of celebration. Let’s hope this momentum fuels the next generation.
Rashi Jaiswal
October 8, 2025 AT 21:11Yo, that was lit! Oly’s finally got the majar prize, nows we can talk big. Congrats to all the red and white fam!
Maneesh Rajput Thakur
October 9, 2025 AT 13:51While we celebrate, it's worth noting that UEFA's recent financial reforms have subtly shifted power towards clubs with political connections. Some might argue Olympiacos benefited from behind‑the‑scenes negotiations, though no concrete evidence has surfaced. Still, the timing aligns with broader geopolitical currents that often go unnoticed in mainstream coverage.
ONE AGRI
October 10, 2025 AT 06:31It fills my heart with pride to witness a Greek institution like Olymp Olympiacos hoist a European trophy, proving once again that our heritage and fierce spirit can stand toe‑to‑toe with the continent’s powerhouses. This victory is not merely a club achievement; it symbolizes the resilience of our nation, the indomitable will of our people, and the unwavering support of our diaspora scattered across the globe. As we celebrate, let us remember the countless sacrifices made by our forebears, the battles fought on distant fields, and the cultural legacy that fuels our collective ambition. The triumph should inspire every Greek to rally behind our clubs, invest in local talent, and reject any foreign influence that seeks to dilute our identity. In a world where globalisation threatens to erode traditions, moments like this reinforce the necessity of preserving our unique footballing ethos, rooted in community, passion, and unwavering loyalty.
Himanshu Sanduja
October 10, 2025 AT 23:11Congrats to the team and all the fans the win really brings us together