PAOK FC, games short for Panthesalonikos Athlitikos Omilos Konstantinoupoliton, stands as a powerful and historically significant football club in Greece. Founded in 1926 by Greek refugees who fled Constantinople (now Istanbul), PAOK carries a rich heritage deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Thessaloniki and its people. The club’s black and white colors symbolize mourning for the lost homelands and hope for a brighter future. More than just a football team, PAOK represents resilience, passion, and a strong sense of community. This article delves into the multifaceted world of PAOK FC, exploring its recent games, upcoming fixtures, team dynamics, historical achievements, fervent fanbase, and much more.

Recent Games and Performances

In the ongoing 2024-25 season, PAOK FC has demonstrated a mix of strong performances and challenging encounters. Their most recent Super League Greece match saw them face Panathinaikos FC on April 13, 2025, at the Athens Olympic Stadium. Unfortunately for the traveling fans, Panathinaikos emerged victorious with a score of 3-1. This result in the Championship round of the Super League Greece will undoubtedly have spurred the team to analyze their performance and strategize for upcoming crucial matches.

Looking at the league standings for the 2024-25 Greek A Division, as of April 19, 2025, PAOK FC occupies a respectable position. They have played 18 games, securing 10 wins, 6 ties, and only 2 losses. With 36 goals scored and just 9 conceded, their goal difference stands at a healthy +27. This places them among the top contenders in the league, currently sitting in 4th position with 36 points. While AEK Athens, OFI FC, and Panathinaikos women’s football currently hold the top three spots, PAOK remains within striking distance, showcasing their competitive edge this season.

Team Dynamics and Player Statistics

The current PAOK FC squad boasts a blend of experienced players and promising young talents. While specific detailed player statistics for the ongoing season were not readily available in the immediate search results, historical data and recent mentions provide insights into key players.

 Kiril Despodov, another attacking midfielder and forward, is also recognized for his contributions. In defense, Giannis Michailidis has been noted for his strong performances. Dominik Kotarski serves as the team’s goalkeeper.

Over the years, PAOK has been home to many iconic players. Some notable names include Vieirinha, Dimitrios Pelkas, Stefanos Athanasiadis, and Theodoros Zagorakis. These players have left indelible marks on the club’s history through their skills, dedication, and contributions to PAOK’s successes.

The Passionate Fanbase and Atmosphere

PAOK FC boasts one of the most passionate and devoted fan bases in Greece. Known for their unwavering support and the electric atmosphere they create at the Toumba Stadium, PAOK fans, often referred to as “PAOKtzides,” are a crucial part of the club’s identity. The Gate 4 supporters’ group is particularly renowned for its fervent and organized support, playing a significant role in shaping the club’s environment and influencing decisions over the years.

The colors of black and white are deeply ingrained in the fan culture, symbolizing both mourning for lost homelands and the unity of the PAOK community. Match days at the Toumba Stadium are a spectacle of intense passion, with vocal support, impressive displays of banners and choreography, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams. This fervent support extends beyond Thessaloniki, with PAOK fan clubs established throughout Greece and the diaspora, highlighting the club’s widespread appeal and cultural significance.

Toumba Stadium: The Fortress

The Toumba Stadium, PAOK’s home ground since its completion in 1959, is more than just a football venue; it is a symbol of the club’s history and the unwavering passion of its supporters. Located in the Toumba district of eastern Thessaloniki, the stadium has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years, reaching a capacity of around 28,704 all-seated spectators.

The atmosphere within the Toumba is legendary, often described as one of the most intimidating in European football. The close proximity of the stands to the pitch amplifies the noise and creates an intense environment that can significantly impact the flow of the game. The stadium has witnessed countless memorable moments in PAOK’s history and continues to be the heart and soul of the club. There are also ongoing discussions and plans for a potential new, modern stadium to further enhance the fan experience and the club’s infrastructure for the future.

PAOK Academy: Nurturing Future Talent

PAOK FC places significant emphasis on its youth academy, recognizing the importance of developing homegrown talent. The comprises eleven official youth teams, catering to players from Under-6/7 to Under-20. This comprehensive system involves over 280 young athletes and a dedicated team of coaches, trainers, and medical staff.

 Furthermore, PAOK maintains an extensive network of 16 training centers outside of Thessaloniki, spread across various regions of Greece, demonstrating their commitment to scouting and developing talent nationwide. The academy’s philosophy focuses on providing high-quality training and education to young players, aiming to integrate them into the first team and contribute to the club’s long-term success.

Rivals and Derbies: The Heat of Competition

PAOK FC is involved in intense rivalries that generate significant excitement and passion among supporters. Their primary rivals include Olympiacos and Aris Thessaloniki.

The derby against Olympiacos, a club based in Piraeus, is considered one of the biggest and most fiercely contested derbies in Greek football. Matches between these two teams are often highly charged affairs, both on and off the pitch, fueled by historical rivalries and competition for national titles.

The derby against local rivals Aris Thessaloniki is another significant clash, dividing the city and igniting intense emotions among the fanbases. These Thessaloniki derbies are always highly anticipated and carry immense local pride.

Financial Situation and Ownership

The financial stability and ownership of a football club are crucial aspects of its long-term success. Currently, PAOK FC is owned by the Dimera Group Limited, with Ivan Savvidis being a prominent figure associated with the club’s ownership. Savvidis’ involvement has been significant in recent years, contributing to the club’s financial strength and their ability to compete for titles. In the past, he notably repaid a substantial debt of the club to the Greek state, highlighting his commitment to PAOK’s well-being. His investment has played a key role in PAOK’s recent successes, including their league title win in 2019, their first in several decades.

Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement

In today’s digital age, a strong social media presence is vital for clubs to connect with their global fanbase. PAOK FC maintains active profiles across various platforms, providing fans with the latest news, match updates, behind-the-scenes content, and opportunities for engagement. Their official website also serves as a comprehensive source of information for fans, offering news, fixtures, ticket information, and merchandise.

Furthermore, PAOK has launched its own OTT (Over-The-Top) video service, PAOK TV, which provides live match coverage, highlights, and exclusive content to subscribers in multiple languages (Greek, Russian, and English). This initiative demonstrates the club’s commitment to reaching its international fanbase and providing them with comprehensive access to PAOK games and content.

Transfer News and Future Prospects

The transfer market is always a topic of interest for football fans, and PAOK FC is no exception. While specific details of upcoming transfer targets are usually kept confidential, recent transfer news indicates the club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its squad. Recent movements include Luka Gugeshashvili joining the team and the loan departure of Murg. Keeping abreast of transfer news helps fans understand the club’s plans for the future and their ambitions on the pitch.

Looking ahead, PAOK FC aims to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent force in Greek football and a regular participant in European competitions. Their focus on youth development through the PAOK Academy, coupled with strategic signings and the unwavering support of their passionate fanbase, provides a solid foundation for a promising future. The goal of securing more titles and making a deeper impact in European tournaments remains a driving force for the club.

In conclusion, PAOK FC games is a club steeped in history, driven by passionate support, and committed to achieving success on the field. From their recent performances in the Super League Greece to their upcoming fixtures and long-term ambitions, the “Black and Whites” of Thessaloniki continue to captivate and inspire. Their rich heritage, combined with a forward-looking approach, ensures that PAOK FC remains a vital and compelling force in Greek football.

FAQs

What was PAOK FC’s performance in European competitions recently?

PAOK FC games reached the Quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons and the Last 24 of the UEFA Europa League in the current 2024-25 season. They also reached the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in 1976-77 and the Quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1973-74.

What was the result of PAOK FC’s most recent game?

PAOK FC’s most recent game in the Super League Greece was against Panathinaikos FC on April 13, 2025, which they lost 3-1.

Who is the current owner of PAOK FC? 

Currently, PAOK FC games is owned by the Dimera Group Limited, with Ivan Savvidis being a prominent figure associated with the ownership

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