Akis Zikos facts for kids

Andreas Vasilios "Akis" Zikos was born on June 1, 1974, in Athens, Greece. He is a famous Greek former professional footballer. Akis played as a defensive midfielder. This means his main job was to protect his team's goal.

He was known for being strong and hardworking on the field. Akis was also very good at tackling the ball from opponents. He knew how to be in the right place at the right time. He played for the Greek national team 18 times between 1996 and 2001. Today, Akis works as an academy manager for A.O. Glyfada. He helps young players learn and grow.

Akis Zikos's Club Career

Akis Zikos played for several football clubs during his career. He started in Greece, then moved to France, and later returned to Greece. Let's look at his journey.

Starting Out at Skoda Xanthi

Akis Zikos began his professional football journey in 1993. His first team was Skoda Xanthi. He played for them for four seasons. During this time, Skoda Xanthi was part of the Greek Super League, which is the top football league in Greece.

Playing for AEK Athens

In the summer of 1998, Akis Zikos joined AEK Athens. He quickly became a very important player for the team. He was their main defensive midfielder. Akis impressed everyone with his strong performances.

He was a key player for all the coaches at AEK Athens. He also started playing more often for the Greek national team. In 2000, another great player, Thodoris Zagorakis, joined AEK. Akis and Thodoris formed an amazing partnership in the midfield. Together, they helped AEK Athens win the Greek Cup twice. They won in 2000 and again in 2002.

After the 2002 season, Akis decided to leave AEK Athens. He wanted to try playing football in another country.

Time at AS Monaco

In the summer of 2002, Akis Zikos moved to France. He signed with Monaco. He played for them for four seasons in Ligue 1, which is France's top football league. Akis showed his great talent on the European stage too.

In 2003, his team won the Coupe de la Ligue, which is a French cup competition. The most exciting part of his time at Monaco was in 2004. Under their coach Didier Deschamps, Monaco reached the UEFA Champions League Final. This is one of the biggest football competitions in Europe!

In the final, Monaco played against José Mourinho's Porto. Monaco lost the match 3-0. However, Akis Zikos was still seen as one of the best players on the field that day. By playing in this final, Akis became the first Greek player ever to play in a UEFA Champions League final.

Coming Back to AEK Athens

After four successful years in France, Akis Zikos decided to return home in 2006. He came back to play for his favorite team, AEK Athens.

Even though Akis and his team faced many injuries that year, he helped AEK Athens finish in second place. This high finish meant they earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualification rounds. Akis Zikos officially retired from professional football on April 20, 2008. His last game was the final match of the regular season.

Playing for Greece

Akis Zikos played 18 times for the Greek national team. However, he was not chosen to play as often when coach Otto Rehhagel took over the team.

Even after he helped Monaco reach the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final, he was considered for the Greek team that won Euro 2004. But in the end, he was not selected for that winning squad.

Trophies and Achievements

Akis Zikos won several important trophies during his football career.

With AEK Athens

• Greek Cup:
  • 1999–2000
  • 2001–02

With Monaco

• French League Cup:
  • 2003
• UEFA Champions League:
  • Runner-up in 2003–04

See also

In Spanish: Andreas Zikos para niños