The Greek playmaker who mastered the art of the comeback
In short: Kostas Fortounis didn't just navigate the pitch; he navigated a career defined by physical setbacks and high-stakes drama. From rejecting multi-million euro offers to overcoming consecutive cruciate ligament ruptures, his journey to the top of Greek football is a masterclass in resilience and tactical evolution.
Fortounis' career is a study in persistence. After a nomadic start involving AO Trikala and a brief stint at Asteras Tripolis—where he famously turned down a move to Juventus—he found his footing in Germany with Kaiserslautern. Despite enduring a second successive relegation with the German side, his performances caught the eyes of European giants like Ajax and Juventus before he returned to Greece to join Olympiacos in 2014. His tenure at Olympiacos was marked by historic milestones. In the 2015–16 season, he became only the third player in the club's history to record 10 goals and 10 assists in a single campaign, eventually finishing as the league's top scorer. He also played a pivotal role in securing the club's 27th Greek Cup win, notably scoring a 25-yard free kick in the final.
However, his path was frequently interrupted by severe injuries, including a ruptured cruciate ligament in 2019 and another in 2021, requiring months of rehabilitation. Despite these hurdles, Fortounis remained a cornerstone for the Greek national team, making his senior debut in 2012. His influence was so significant that he formed a distinct chemistry with teammates like Giorgos Karagounis and José Holebas to improve the nation's transition game. Though he eventually retired from international duty following disputes with coach Gustavo Poyet, his legacy remains tied to his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, whether leading Olympiacos to a Europa Conference League title in 2024 or navigating the lucrative landscape of the Saudi Pro League.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kostas Fortounis
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