Born on 12 August 1982 in Athens, Alexandros Tzorvas spent his professional career as a goalkeeper competing across several top-tier European leagues and international tournaments. Before establishing himself as a senior player, he navigated a series of loan spells and internal club transfers to secure a consistent starting position, ultimately representing Greece on the global stage.
Early Career and Panathinaikos
Tzorvas developed his skills within the Panathinaikos football academy. Faced with stiff competition from established goalkeepers like Antonis Nikopolidis and Stefanos Kotsolis, he sought match experience through loan agreements with Agios Nikolaos, Marko, and Thrasyvoulos. He returned to the Panathinaikos senior squad in 2005, eventually securing the starting position during the 2009–10 season following a period of underperformance by teammate Mario Galinović.
Development at OFI Crete
In a strategic move to gain regular playing time, Tzorvas moved to OFI Crete. His tenure in Crete allowed him to establish himself as a starter and prove his capabilities in the Greek Super League. By 2008, his consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in Greece, prompting Panathinaikos to recall him to the main club roster.
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In August 2011, Tzorvas transferred to Serie A club Palermo for a fee of €700,000. He debuted in a 4–3 victory against Inter Milan but struggled to retain his starting role under successive coaching changes. Following his stint in Sicily, he moved to Genoa in 2012 as part of an exchange deal. His time in Italy concluded after providing backup support for Sebastien Frey and making a debut appearance against Fiorentina in March 2013.
Final Career Stages
Returning to Greece in July 2013, Tzorvas joined the newly promoted Apollon Smyrnis on a two-year contract. Seeking further international experience, he signed with the Indian Super League club NorthEast United FC in September 2014. His debut performance in India earned him a man of the match honor before he departed the club in December 2014.
National Team Representation
Tzorvas received his first national team call-up from manager Otto Rehhagel in March 2008. He served as a member of the squad for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament and later made his senior international debut against Italy in November 2008. His career with Greece also included selections for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 August 1982, Athens
- Primary position: Goalkeeper
- Palermo transfer fee: €700,000
- Genoa transfer fee: €600,000
- International debut: 19 November 2008 vs Italy
- Final club: NorthEast United FC
Questions readers ask
Did Tzorvas play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
Yes, he was part of the Greece squad during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Which clubs did he join after leaving Italy?
He returned to Greece to join Apollon Smyrnis in 2013 and later played for NorthEast United FC in India.
