Giannis Kyrastas facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ioannis Kyrastas | ||
| Date of birth | 25 October 1952 | ||
| Place of birth | Piraeus, Greece | ||
| Date of death | 1 April 2004 (aged 51) | ||
| Place of death | Athens, Greece | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –1972 | Olympiacos | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1972–1981 | Olympiacos | 223 | (4) |
| 1981–1986 | Panathinaikos | 145 | (1) |
| Total | 368 | (5) | |
| International career | |||
| 1974–1985 | Greece | 46 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1987–1988 | Ethnikos Ellinoroson | ||
| 1988–1989 | A.E. Messolonghi | ||
| 1989 | Proodeftiki | ||
| 1990–1991 | Ethnikos Piraeus | ||
| 1991–1993 | Proodeftiki | ||
| 1993–1994 | Panionios | ||
| 1994–1995 | Panargiakos | ||
| 1995–1996 | Ethnikos Piraeus | ||
| 1996 | Paniliakos | ||
| 1997 | Panionios | ||
| 1997–1999 | Paniliakos | ||
| 1999–2000 | Panathinaikos | ||
| 2000–2001 | Iraklis | ||
| 2001–2002 | Panathinaikos | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Giannis Kyrastas (Greek: Γιάννης Κυράστας; born October 25, 1952 – died April 1, 2004) was a famous Greek footballer and later a successful football manager. He is remembered for his time playing for two of Greece's biggest rival clubs, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos.
Playing Career
Giannis Kyrastas started his football journey in Piraeus, the city where he was born. He began his career with the youth team of Olympiacos. He quickly showed great talent as a Midfielder.
Club Success
Kyrastas played his first professional game for Olympiacos on December 10, 1972. During his time with the club, he played in 223 matches. He helped Olympiacos win five Greek Championships and three Greek Cups. These were big achievements for the team.
In 1981, Giannis made a surprising move. He joined Panathinaikos, who were Olympiacos's biggest rivals. He played 145 games for Panathinaikos. With them, he won two more Greek Championships and three more Greek Cups. He retired from playing in 1986.
Playing for Greece
Giannis Kyrastas also proudly represented his country. He played 46 games for the Greece national team. His first game for Greece was on November 15, 1974. He also played in the 1980 UEFA European Championship, which is a major international tournament.
Coaching Career
After he stopped playing, Giannis Kyrastas decided to become a coach. He started coaching in the 1987–88 season. Over the years, he managed many different teams.
Some of the clubs he coached include Ethnikos Piraeus, Paniliakos (twice), Panionios FC, and Iraklis. He also had two periods as the coach of Panathinaikos, the club where he ended his playing career. He retired from coaching after his second time leading Panathinaikos.
A Sad Farewell
Sadly, Giannis Kyrastas became very ill in March 2004. He was admitted to the hospital on March 5, 2004, due to a serious infection. His condition was difficult, and he passed away on April 1, 2004, at the age of 51.
The football players and staff of Panathinaikos were deeply saddened by his death. They dedicated their "Double" win in 2004 (winning both the Championship and the Cup) to his memory.
