Lazaros Christodoulopoulos
A dynamic Greek midfielder revered for his technical skill and thunderous free-kicks, becoming a fan favorite at Olympiacos and for his national team.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Greek football player·Birthday: December 19·Millennials
Biography
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, often simply 'Lazaros' to announcers and fans, carved out a respected career as a creative and versatile attacking force in Greek football. Emerging from the youth system of PAOK, his left foot and eye for goal quickly marked him as a special talent. While his stint in Italy with Bologna showed flashes, it was in his homeland where he truly flourished, particularly during his tenure with Olympiacos. There, his mastery of set-pieces and ability to decide big matches cemented his status. A technically sound winger who could also operate centrally, he was a consistent call-up for the Greek national team for over a decade, contributing during their memorable run to the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup. His career path saw him serve as a captain and key figure for several Greek clubs, embodying the classic, technically gifted Mediterranean midfielder.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lazaros was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lazaros Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lazaros's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three consecutive Greek Super League titles with Olympiacos from 2015 to 2017.
- Scored the winning goal for Greece in a 1-0 victory over Romania in a 2014 World Cup qualifying playoff.
- Named the Greek Footballer of the Year for the 2017-18 season while playing for AEK Athens.
Did You Know?
Due to the length of his surname, he is almost universally referred to mononymously as 'Lazaros' in sports media.
He is known for his meticulous free-kick routine and has scored numerous goals from set-pieces.
He began his professional career at PAOK, the club he supported as a boy.
“My left foot is my weapon; I trust it to decide a game.”
