The European football governing body is mourning the death of former Greek international Paraskevas Antzas, who has passed away at the age of 49 after a prolonged battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The former defender, who spent his entire club career in Greece, died on Monday, May 25, following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease in December 2024.
Cause of Death Emerges
Antzas had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and had largely withdrawn from public life, returning to his hometown of Drama to fight the illness. The former Olympiacos star earned 26 caps for Greece and was a key figure in the Greek Super League, cementing his reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation.
UEFA and Olympiacos Pay Tribute
UEFA expressed its sorrow in a statement: "We are saddened by the passing of former Greece international Paraskevas Antzas at the age of 49. Antzas earned 26 caps for Greece and reached the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final in 1998. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time."
Olympiacos, where Antzas enjoyed his most successful years, described him as a passionate and incredible player. The club wrote: "Olympiacos FC, with a sense of sorrow, bids farewell to a great man and footballer, Paraskevas Antzas, who honoured the red and white jersey with passion, strength and dignity. His presence left a strong impression on the field of play and on everyone who knew him."
Fans React to the Tragic Loss
Fans have joined in mourning the former defender. One fan, @sspand12, said: "We're living through unbelievable situations. I can't believe it. From my idols at Olympiacos and so young. Truly, truly, truly such a shame. May he have a good Paradise." Another, @ConstantineLad, added: "Probably he would have been in Euro 2004 and if he didn't have personal problems in 2003/2004 an excellent world class defender member of the 2004 Golden generation."
Club Career of Antzas
Paraskevas Antzas began his professional career with Pandramaikos before moving to Xanthi in 1995. He was one of three players who shared the Best Young Player of the Season award in 1998. A move to Olympiacos followed in 1998, marking the start of the most glittering period of his footballing life. He abruptly retired in 2003 for family reasons but returned for a second spell at the Piraeus club in 2007, finally hanging up his boots for good in 2009.
Antzas won the Greek Cup three times with Olympiacos and also lost in the final of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 1998. His legacy as a dedicated and disciplined defender will be remembered by fans across Greece and beyond.
