With 139 appearances for the Greece national team, Giorgos Karagounis stands as the most capped player in the history of his country's international football squad. Born in 1977, the midfielder maintained a career spanning nearly two decades, beginning at the youth level in Pyrgos and extending to top-flight leagues in Italy, Portugal, and England.
Professional Emergence
Karagounis began his professional journey in 1996 through a loan deal with Apollon Smyrnis, originating from the Panathinaikos youth system. After two seasons with the Athens-based club, he returned to Panathinaikos, where he established himself as a central midfielder. During this initial tenure, he made 12 appearances in the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League, notably scoring against Manchester United at Old Trafford. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch led to a high-profile move to Inter Milan in 2003.
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While at Inter Milan, Karagounis operated primarily in Coppa Italia and European fixtures, contributing to the club's 2004–05 Coppa Italia victory. He subsequently moved to Portugal in 2005 to join Benfica. Based at the Estádio da Luz, he developed into a consistent starter under manager Fernando Santos. His tenure in Lisbon included scoring long-range goals against Shakhtar Donetsk and Desportivo das Aves before his eventual return to Greece.
International Milestones
The pinnacle of his international career occurred at UEFA Euro 2004, where he helped Greece secure the tournament title. His commitment to the national team persisted for fifteen years, during which he represented Greece at UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2012, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Throughout these tournaments, he served as team captain, leading the squad through numerous qualifying phases and high-stakes matches.
Premier League Tenure
In September 2012, Karagounis signed with Fulham, becoming the eighth member of the Euro 2004 squad to compete in the English Premier League. He made his debut against Manchester City at Craven Cottage. During his time in England, he recorded his first goal in an FA Cup match against Blackpool in January 2013, followed by a Premier League goal against Wigan Athletic shortly thereafter. He remained with the London club until his release in 2013.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 March 1977, Pyrgos, Greece
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- Panathinaikos return: 2007
- Fulham debut: 29 September 2012
- Total international appearances: 139
- Euro 2004 winner: Yes
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournament did Karagounis win with Greece?
He was a member of the squad that won the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal.
What record does Karagounis hold for the Greece national team?
He is the most capped player in the history of the Greece national team with 139 appearances.
