Paraskevas Antzas
A stalwart Greek defender whose unwavering presence in the heart of Olympiacos's backline anchored a historic era of domestic dominance.
Born 1977 (age 49)·Greek footballer·Birthday: August 18·Generation X
Biography
Paraskevas Antzas was not a flashy player, but his value was measured in consistency, grit, and a deep understanding of defensive positioning. For over a decade, he was a foundational piece for Olympiacos, the most successful club in Greek football. Arriving in 2003, he quickly became synonymous with the club's ruthless defensive solidity during a period where they claimed multiple Super League titles with machine-like regularity. Antzas was the organizer, the communicator, and the tough tackler who allowed more attacking teammates to flourish. His leadership was recognized with the captain's armband, and his loyalty made him a fan favorite at Karaiskakis Stadium. While his time with the Greek national team was limited, his club career stands as a testament to the impact of a reliable, no-nonsense defender who helped build a dynasty.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Paraskevas was born in 1977, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paraskevas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1977
#1 Movie
Star Wars
Best Picture
Annie Hall
#1 TV Show
Happy Days
Paraskevas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1977Born
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1982Started school
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1990Became a teenager
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Could drive
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1995Could vote
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Turned 21
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2007Turned 30
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
2017Turned 40
#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 49 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won seven Greek Super League titles with Olympiacos between 2005 and 2013.
- Captained Olympiacos during the latter part of his tenure with the club.
- Made over 200 appearances for Olympiacos in all competitions.
- Earned three caps for the Greece national football team.
Did You Know?
His nickname is 'Paso'.
He spent nearly his entire professional career in Greece, playing only for Skoda Xanthi and Olympiacos.
Antzas retired from professional football in 2014 after a final season with Skoda Xanthi.
He was known for his powerful heading ability despite not being exceptionally tall for a central defender.
“My job was to be in the right place, to make the simple play.”
