Giorgos Sideris

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Giorgos Sideris

Giorgos Sideris (born in 1938) was considered by many to be a football player like no other! An inside-right forward that no-one or nothing could stand in his way (his nickname was "the Bulldozer"). Very quick with the ball on his feet and a player that had the instinct and charisma to score. He had a very bright career with Olympiakos (came from Atromitos Piraeus FC in 1958) for whom he scored 224 goals.

He became leading scorer three times in the Greek championship with: 29 goals in 1965, 22 goals in 1967 and in 1969. During the latter campaign, he was also Europe's second scorer (35 goals) after Petar Zhekov of CSKA Sofia (36).

He had 28 appearances with the National Football Team of Greece (14 goals) in the period of 1958-1969.

Years later, with Mimis Domazos.

On February 6, 1972, Giorgos Sideris rejoined Olympiakos (in a match against Panachaiki, 3-2) after his return from Belgium where he played for Antwerp (1971). He was the first post-WW II Greek player to play for another European team outside Greece.

Two weeks later, on February 20, 1972, he played his last game against Panathinaikos at Karaiskaki Stadium (0-0). After his football career ended, Sideris established a successful insurance company.

On November 15, 2007, Sideris made headlines when he was shot in the left arm by unknown assailants.


See also