Yannis Damanakis

Ioannis Damanakis (Greek: Ιωάννης Δαμανάκης; born 2 October 1952) is a Greek former international footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Career Club career Damanakis began his career at AO Chania before transferring to PAOK in 1976. He was a personal choice of former PAOK FC president Giorgos Pantelakis. A tireless defensive midfielder who gave his all on the football pitch, the Cretan quickly became a first-team regular and also a fan favorite. He made 242 league appearances scoring 16 goals with the White-blacks of the North. He participated in 5 Greek Cup finals and won the 1985 league title. After 9 years with PAOK, he played one season for Makedonikos and ended his career at E.A.R.

International career Damanakis had 24 caps for the Greece national football team between 1977 and 1983, scoring 1 goal. He was a member of the squad that participated in the UEFA Euro 1980.

Honours PAOK Alpha Ethniki (1): 1984–85