The youngest player to ever serve as captain of Panathinaikos, Sotiris Ninis established himself as a prominent prospect in Greek football by age eighteen. Born on 3 April 1990 in Himarë, Albania, he moved through the youth ranks of Apollon Smyrnis before joining Panathinaikos, where his professional debut in 2007 signaled the arrival of a technically gifted attacking midfielder.
Early Breakthrough at Panathinaikos
Ninis made his debut for Panathinaikos on 7 January 2007 against Egaleo, becoming the second-youngest player to appear for the club in a league match. His performance secured him the Super League Matchday MVP award. Shortly after, on 15 February 2007, he became the youngest player to represent a Greek team in a European cup match against Lens. By 2008, he was appointed team captain at just 18 years and 125 days old. Throughout his initial tenure, which lasted until 2012, he made 137 appearances and scored 15 goals, highlighted by a notable display against AS Roma in the 2010 UEFA Europa League.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Recognition
Ninis garnered significant attention during the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship in Austria, where he helped Greece reach the final and was named tournament MVP. He made his senior international debut on 19 May 2008, coached by Otto Rehhagel, and scored his first goal against Cyprus within five minutes of play. His senior career included participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, marking him as a key fixture in the national setup during that period.
Professional Journeys and Transfers
Following his first departure from Panathinaikos, Ninis joined the Italian club Parma in 2012. His time in Italy proved difficult, leading to a loan spell at PAOK and a subsequent return to Panathinaikos in 2014. His later career took him across various leagues, including stints with the Belgian side Charleroi, Maccabi Petah Tikva and Hapoel Ashkelon in Israel, and a two-year contract signed in 2022 with PAS Giannina.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 April 1990, Himarë
- Professional Debut: 7 January 2007
- First Senior International Goal: 19 May 2008
- Panathinaikos Appearances: 137
- Panathinaikos Goals: 15
- Youngest Panathinaikos Captain: 18 years, 125 days
- 2007 U19 Championship Award: MVP
- Position: Attacking midfielder, right winger
Questions readers ask
Did Ninis play for the Albanian national team?
No, he rejected a call-up to the Albanian Under-21 national team in February 2007, opting to play for Greece.
What major award did Ninis win in 2007?
He was awarded the HFF Young Player of the Year, becoming the youngest recipient of that honor.
