Panagiotis Kone
A creative Greek midfield maestro whose technical grace and eye for goal made him a fan favorite at Bologna and a key figure for the national team.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Greek footballer·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Panagiotis Kone's football was a blend of Mediterranean flair and tactical intelligence. The Athens-born midfielder came through the youth ranks of AEK before seeking his fortune in Italy, where his game truly blossomed. It was at Bologna, under the guidance of managers who valued possession and invention, that Kone found his ideal home. Operating as an attacking midfielder or a mezzala, he was the link between defense and attack, capable of unlocking defenses with a delicate through ball or arriving late in the box to finish. His time in Serie A was marked by moments of sublime skill and crucial goals, endearing him to the Rossoblu faithful. While injuries occasionally disrupted his rhythm, his quality when fit was never in doubt, earning him a steady call-up to the Greek national team during its most competitive modern era. His career was a testament to the value of technical players in physically demanding leagues.
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.
Panagiotis was born in 1987, 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 Panagiotis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Panagiotis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was a pivotal player for Bologna in Serie A, scoring over 15 goals from midfield during his tenure.
- Earned over 30 caps for the Greek national team, representing them in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers.
- Helped AEK Athens win the Greek Cup in 2011 before his move to Italy.
- Played professionally in four different countries: Greece, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.
Did You Know?
His father, Aristidis Kone, was also a professional footballer who played for Panathinaikos.
He is known for being an avid chess player, which he says helps his tactical thinking on the pitch.
He scored a spectacular long-range goal against Napoli in 2015 that was nominated for Serie A's Goal of the Season.
“My game is about controlling the tempo and finding the decisive pass.”
