Ilias Kotsios

Ilias Kotsios (Greek: Ηλίας Κώτσιος; born 25 April 1977) is a Greek professional football manager and former footballer, who played as defender. He has also played for Levadiakos, Panathinaikos, AEL, PAS Giannina and AEL Kalloni.

Career Kotsios started his career from the youth department of Ikaros Neapolis, a clb based in Larissa. After two years he moved to Iraklis Larissa and he was recommended to OFI by his Ikaros Neapolis coach Ilias Selionis, also an ex-player of the Cretan club. He first worked with renowned Dutch coach Eugene Gerrard and stayed with OFI for 8 seasons before signing for Panathinaikos.Kotsios stayed with Panathinaikos for 3 years and in 2007 he returned to his hometown club Larissa playing in the UEFA Cup. In 2015 he signed for OFI again to finish his career in 2017.

On 2 November 2005 Pnathinaikos were defeated by Barcelona with 5–0 in the UEFA Champions League in Lionel Messi. After the end of the game Kotsios swapped jerseys with the 18-year old then Lionel Messi who scored his first ever goal in Europe.

Honours

Panathinaikos

Greek Cup: Runner-up 2006–07