Hubbry Logo
Georgios SamarasGeorgios SamarasMain
Open search
Georgios Samaras
Community hub
Georgios Samaras
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Georgios Samaras
Georgios Samaras
Georgios Samaras
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Georgios Samaras (Greek: Γεώργιος Σαμαράς, pronounced [ˈʝorɣos samaˈras]; born 21 February 1985) is a Greek former professional footballer who played as a forward.

Key Information

Samaras started his career at OFI, before moving on to Eredivisie side Heerenveen in 2001. He made his first team debut two years later and after a further three seasons with the club he moved to Premier League club Manchester City for a fee of £6 million in 2006. After Sven-Göran Eriksson took over as manager Samaras fell out of favour with the first team. In January 2008 he was loaned out to Scottish Premier League team Celtic, moving on a permanent basis in the summer.

Samaras helped Celtic win Scottish league championships in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014, totalling 74 goals in 249 competitive games. He left the club at the end of his contract in 2014 and returned to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, where he featured rarely and had an unsuccessful loan to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. In March 2016, he joined North American Soccer League expansion team Rayo OKC, and when they shut down after one season he signed for Real Zaragoza. He then played for Turkish team Samsunspor before retiring in 2018.

Although eligible to play for Australia, because his father Ioannis Samaras was born in Melbourne, Samaras chose to represent his country of birth, Greece. He made his debut in 2006, and became a regular over the next eight years, earning 81 caps and scoring 9 goals. He represented his country at Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.

Early life

[edit]

Samaras was born in Heraklion, the capital city of the Greek island of Crete[1] to a Melbourne-born father who had settled back in Greece before Georgios' birth.[3] His grandfather, also called Georgios, was from Arnaia[4] and was also one of the founders of Australian side South Melbourne FC.

His favourite footballer growing up was Marco van Basten. Samaras was also a keen basketball fan and his father, Ioannis Samaras, often let him stay up until the early hours of the morning so he could watch his hero Michael Jordan.[5]

In 1994, when he was 10 years old, Samaras joined his boyhood heroes, OFI.[6] His father was playing for them at the time and then retired in 1996. Six months later, he became Academy chief manager, a position he retained until 2000, when he became manager. Samaras credits his father highly with helping start his football career. His influence meant that Samaras trained every day of his childhood and he also got to spend a lot of time behind the scenes at OFI. Samaras left for Eredivisie club Heerenveen in 2001.[7]

Club career

[edit]

Heerenveen

[edit]

Samaras broke into the Heerenveen team during the 2002–03 season, still aged only 18. He scored three goals in his first four appearances, all of which were from the bench.[8] This form prompted Heerenveen activate a three-year extension clause in his contract.[9]

Samaras' first goal of the 2003–04 season came, on 25 October, in a shock 2–1 loss for Heerenveen against NEC Nijmegen.[10] On 3 December, Samaras scored as Heerenveen beat ADO Den Haag 2–0.[11] His next goal came 10 days later as he scored an equaliser to secure a draw 1–1 for Heerenveen against RBC Roosendaal.[12] He then scored on 20 December, as Heerenveen beat Roda JC 2–1.[13]

Samaras' first goal of the 2004–05 season came on 11 September, in a 2–0 win over De Graafschap.[14] He then scored a last-minute winner on 3 October, as Heerenveen secure all three points against ADO Den Haag.[15] On 28 November, Samaras scored one of Heerenveen's goals as they staged a late comeback against title-chasing Feyenoord, and secured a 2–2 draw.[16] He then scored on 22 January, as Heerenveen, who were performing very well in the Eredivisie, beat Den Bosch 2–1.[17] On 12 March, Samaras scored an equaliser against RKC Waalwijk, but Heerenveen then conceded a late goal and fell to a 2–1 defeat.[18] On 2 April, Samaras scored to help Heerenveen secure a shock 2–1 victory over Ajax.[19] A fortnight later, Samaras scored the equaliser as Heerenveen came from behind to beat Vitesse Arnhem 3–1. This win moved Heerenveen up to fifth in the table.[20] In the next match Samaras, along with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, scored a hat-trick as relegation candidates RBC Roosendaal were defeated 7–1 and Heerenveen pushed to finish the league in a European spot.[21]

At the start of the 2005–06 season, Sevilla were reported to be interested in Samaras as a replacement for Júlio Baptista.[22] While Arsenal were also looking at him after they had missed out on signing Baptista, some news organisations had reported that Arsenal had already signed Samaras and that he would join at the end of the season. However, the player's father, Ioannis Samaras said that this was untrue and that his son wanted to stay at the club for another year.[23] Samaras scored on the opening day of the season, on 20 August, when he helped Heerenveen to a 5–4 victory over Roda JC.[24] He picked up a minor leg injury in September, which ruled him out of Heerenveen's UEFA Cup tie against Baník Ostrava.[25] But he returned to action on 23 September, and scored as Heerenveen beat NEC Nijmegen 2–1.[26] On 14 December, Samaras scored as Heerenveen came back from behind to beat Levski Sofia 2–1 in the UEFA Cup.[27] On 30 December, Samaras scored twice as Heerenveen beat Ajax 4–2.[28] In January 2006, Arsenal and Manchester City showed interest in signing the striker.[29] Samaras tried to get released from his contract after Heerenveen had rejected a bid from Manchester City. However, the Dutch arbitration commission ruled that he had no grounds to end his contract.[30] Samaras scored 25 goals in 88 appearances for Heerenveen.[31]

Manchester City

[edit]

Samaras moved to Manchester City on 30 January 2006 for a fee of £6 million,[32] a record for a Greek player. He was given the number 20 shirt.[33] Samaras made his debut for City on 1 February, as a 65th-minute replacement for Cole in a 3–0 home win against Newcastle United.[34] His first goal for the club came in the following home match, against Charlton Athletic.[35] The following month Samaras scored in a 2–1 home win against Aston Villa, to put City through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup. This was his fourth goal in six appearances.[36] Samaras scored one further goal that season, in a 2–1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.[37]

2006–07

[edit]

Samaras' first goal of the 2006–07 season came on 20 September, in a 2–1 loss in the League Cup to League One side Chesterfield.[38] Four days later, Samaras scored twice, as Manchester City beat West Ham United 2–0. City had won just three of their previous 16 games, and the club, as well as Samaras, had been receiving a lot of criticism from fans.[39] On 2 January, Samaras came on as a half-time substitute, and scored twice, as they beat Everton 2–1.[40]

In March, the Daily Mirror reported that the reason Manchester City were struggling so badly was that they didn't have any quality strikers. They went on say that the £6 million spent on Samaras looked like "very bad business" especially compared to the £2.5 million Blackburn Rovers had spent on Benni McCarthy. They also described Samaras as looking like a "fish out of water" as he struggled to adapt to the different style of play in England.[41] On 10 March, defender Richard Dunne said that he felt the reason that City were performing so badly was that their foreign players, including Samaras, were letting the side down by not working hard enough. Samaras responded to his criticisms, by saying that he felt it was Pearce's fault that he wasn't playing well because the manager wasn't giving him a regular run of games. He also said that he felt a lot of criticism stemmed from his high transfer fee, saying that it is normal for expensive players to be criticised more than most when they don't play well. Samaras also said that he had come through tougher periods than this and his self-belief would not be shaken, he said that his desire was to become a Champions League player.

2007–08

[edit]

Sven-Göran Eriksson took over from Pearce for the 2007–08 season and, following a spending spree, Samaras was reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by the new manager. Samaras' agent Paul Koutsoliakos said that, despite interest from across Europe, his client wanted to stay in the Premier League and prove his ability.[42] Samaras was linked with a £2.5 million move to Middlesbrough towards the end of the transfer window but ended up staying at City.[43] Eriksson stated that although he was unimpressed with Samaras when he first joined, he felt the player had improved and adapted his style of play a lot during pre-season and that he now felt comfortable keeping him at the club.[44] Samaras had been widely criticised, and even booed, by City fans at times during the previous season and Eriksson said that he hoped it would not happen again and that he appreciated why Samaras could have found it hard to play under those circumstances. Samaras was behind the likes of Valeri Bojinov and Rolando Bianchi in the pecking order and was included in the squad for the first time only on 25 September, when he was selected for a League Cup match against Norwich City. He started the match and scored a last-minute winner to put Manchester City into the quarter-final.[45]

By the time the January transfer window came, Eriksson had decided to sell Samaras, amongst others, to try and raise funds for the club.[46] Birmingham City had chased him for several weeks and had a £2.5 million offer accepted, meeting Manchester City's valuation of the player, but they pulled out of the deal with a week of the transfer window remaining.[47] Several teams including Rangers, Middlesbrough, Espanyol, Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic had expressed an interest in signing him, but it was Celtic to whom he eventually moved.[48][49]

Samaras failed to get a regular place in the first team over the two years he was at Manchester City. Mainly used as a substitute, he scored 12 goals in 63 appearances for the Eastlands club.[50]

Celtic

[edit]

2007–08 (loan)

[edit]

On 29 January 2008, Samaras signed for Scottish Premier League club Celtic on a six-month loan deal, with the club having an option to buy him at the end of his loan spell. He said that he wanted the move because he needed to be playing first team football to get into the Greece squad for Euro 2008. He also said that he was attracted to the fact that he would regularly be able to play in European competition with Celtic.[48][49]

Samaras was given the number 9 shirt and made his debut on 4 February, in a 5–1 win in the Scottish Cup over Kilmarnock. He scored the final goal of the game after coming on as a substitute.[51] On 20 February, he came on as a substitute in Celtic's 3–2 defeat to Barcelona, this was his first ever Champions League match.[52] A week later he scored the winner in a 2–1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle to help Celtic keep up the pressure on league leaders Rangers.[53] He then scored in Celtic's next match, a 2–0 win over Hibernian, after coming on as a substitute.[54] Samaras' next goal came on 23 March, he again came on as a substitute and rounded off the scoring in a 3–0 win over Gretna.[55] On 19 April, he scored the only goal of the game as Celtic beat Aberdeen 1–0, and moved to the top of the league for the first time in 2008.[56] The next month, on 3 May, Samaras again came on as a substitute and scored the winner. His goal gave Celtic a 2–1 victory over Motherwell and kept up Celtic's late challenge for the league title.[57] Celtic won the title on the last day of the season, 22 May, by beating Dundee United 1–0. Samaras came on as a late substitute and collected his first winners' medal after the match.[58]

Samaras' contribution in the second half of the season proved vital to Celtic winning the title, he scored several important goals which kept alive Celtic's faltering title hopes.[59] His signing was also credited with reviving the previously underperforming Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.[51]

Samaras playing for Celtic

2008–09

[edit]

After his successful loan spell,[60] Samaras left Manchester City on 15 July 2008 and signed a three-year contract with Celtic.[61] Although the fee was not disclosed, it was reported to be around £3 million.[62][63][64][65] Samaras' first goals of the 2008–09 season came on 23 August. He scored twice as Celtic beat Falkirk 3–0.[66] On 13 September, he scored another two goals as Celtic beat Motherwell 4–2.[67] He scored twice again in Celtic's next match as they beat Kilmarnock 3–1.[68] He then scored another two goals as Celtic beat Livingston 4–0 and advanced to the League Cup quarter-final.[69] He was named SPL Player of the Month for September, at this point he was also the top scorer with seven goals.[70]

Samaras suffered a knee cartilage injury in mid-October, after a successful operation he was expected to be out for a month. This meant he would be likely to miss crucial Champions League ties against Manchester United and Aalborg.[71] He returned earlier than expected and was back in training on 9 November, having missed seven games.[72] Samaras returned to action on 12 November, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock.[73] On 25 November he started against Aalborg but did not play well and missed several chances as Celtic lost 2–1. This loss consigned Celtic to a bottom place finish in their group.[74]

His first goals of the new year came on, on 4 January, as he scored twice against Dundee United. However, this was not enough for a victory and the match finished 2–2.[75] Although he did not start in the League Cup Final due to poor form,[76] he did come on as a substitute as Celtic beat Rangers 2–0 and won the trophy.[77] Samaras scored twice on 4 April, as Celtic beat Hamilton Academical 4–0.[78] Celtic lost the title on the last day of the season.[79] Samaras scored 17 goals,[50] with 15 of them coming in the SPL. This made him the third top scorer behind Kris Boyd and teammate Scott McDonald.[80]

2009–10

[edit]
Samaras after the final match of Celtic's 2010–11 season

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan left at the end of the season and was replaced by Tony Mowbray.[81] On 5 August, Samaras scored in injury time of Celtic's Champions League third qualifying round tie against Dynamo Moscow. This goal won Celtic the tie, 2–1 on aggregate, and helped them to their first European away win in six years.[82] Celtic then drew English Premier League club Arsenal, but lost 5–1 on aggregate and subsequently dropped into the Europa League.[83] On 13 December, Samaras scored in Celtic's 3–2 win over Motherwell, this was his fifth goal in the club's previous four matches.[84] He scored in Celtic's 2–1 defeat against Hearts on 19 December. This left Celtic four points behind rivals Rangers going into Christmas.[85] From February onwards, Samaras was mainly played out of position on the left of midfield.[86]

Celtic endured a dismal season, culminating in a humiliating 2–0 loss to lower league Ross County in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.[87] Samaras missed a chance to equalise in that match when the score was only 1–0 to County,[87] and he was amongst several players publicly criticised by caretaker manager Neil Lennon.[88] Samaras finished the season with 10 league goals and 12 in all competitions.[50]

2010–11

[edit]

Samaras began the 2010–11 season in good form, scoring his first goal in a Europa League tie against FC Utrecht with a chest down and finish to make it 2–0, sending Celtic into the second leg with a lead.[89] On 22 September 2010, he scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the League Cup.[90] However, the goals then dried up with Samaras failing to score again in 2010.[91]

He then produced a match-winning performance against Rangers at Ibrox on 2 January 2011.[92][93] He was selected as a lone striker[94] and scored both Celtic goals in a 2–0 victory.[95] His first goal came from latching onto a Joe Ledley pass before rounding Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor and slotting home from a wide angle.[95][96] His second came after he won a penalty which he converted to secure the victory.[95] His efforts in this game won him Goal.com's World Player of the Week Award.[97] In the following game, a Scottish Cup tie against Berwick Rangers, Samaras again started but failed to last the 90 minutes after sustaining a hamstring injury.[98] Samaras had an influential performance in a 3–0 home victory against Rangers in the SPL on 20 February, helping to set up the second goal for Gary Hooper[99] and causing problems for the opposition throughout the game.[100]

On 16 March, Samaras captained Celtic for the first time in a 2–1 Scottish Cup win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the Caledonian Stadium.[101][102] Two days later, he signed a new deal to keep him at Parkhead until the summer of 2014.[103] Celtic drew 0–0 with Rangers on 24 April 2011 in the final Old Firm league fixture of the season, with Samaras missing a penalty kick late in the second half.[104] The draw kept Rangers one point ahead of Celtic in the league, and the Ibrox club went on to win the league by one point despite Celtic's emphatic 4–0 win over Motherwell in the final league game of the season (Samaras scoring Celtic's second goal in that game).[105] Samaras did end the season with silverware though, playing a week later in Celtic's 3–0 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Cup Final.[106]

2011–12

[edit]

On 3 November 2011, Samaras started against Rennes in a Europa League match at Celtic Park. Celtic won the match 3–1 with Samaras getting two assists. He drew plaudits for his much noticed work-rate and determination during the match.[107] Samaras then started the next match against Motherwell in the SPL and set up another goal for Anthony Stokes, Celtic went on to win the match 2–1 after being 1–0 down.[108] Samaras went on to score his first goal of the 2011–12 season in a 5–0 win over St Mirren. Manager Neil Lennon said that; "He got his goal, which we've been waiting on a long time. His play was fantastic. He is a talent and all we are asking for is consistency. He has shown everyone today what he is capable of when he is in full flow. The rest took a leaf from his book."[109] After an impressive performance in Celtic's 1–1 draw against Italian league leaders Udinese,[110] fellow Serie A side Palermo expressed an interest in Samaras. He had been playing as a left midfielder in the previous few weeks, and the Daily Record said that his good form since returning to the team had helped re-ignite Celtic's season.[111] On 24 December, Samaras started as a striker and scored twice as Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2–1.[112]

2012–13

[edit]

On 8 August, Samaras scored his 50th Celtic goal in the 2–0 away victory over HJK Helsinki in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round.[113] On 21 August, Samaras assisted Kris Commons' opening goal in the Champions League play-off round first leg away at Helsingborg and then scored himself later in the match.[114] He scored a dramatic late winner in a 2–3 win against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League group stage.[115] Samaras became the first player in Celtic history to score in five consecutive away matches in Europe,[116] with headed goals in 2–1 defeats to Barcelona and Benfica adding to his goals against Spartak Moscow, Helsingborg and HJK Helsinki.[117] Samaras was also credited for helping Celtic qualify from the group stage, providing the assist for Hooper's opening goal in the final game against Spartak at Parkhead and then winning the foul for the penalty that Commons converted to clinch the win required that night.[118]

Samaras scored an overhead kick in a 2–0 win at Dundee on Boxing Day 2012.[119] In March 2013, Samaras was substituted on as Aberdeen led Celtic 3–1 at Celtic Park, and his overhead kick completed the comeback as he made it 4–3 in the 94th minute of the match.[120]

Over the course of the season, Samaras captained Celtic on several occasions, including the opening league match against Aberdeen and also in the away leg of Celtic's last-16 Champions League tie against Juventus.[117] Samaras finished the season with more silverware as Celtic clinched their second successive league title and then defeated Hibs 3–0 in the Scottish Cup Final. Samaras did not start, however was subbed on later in the match, replacing Kris Commons in the 76th minute.[121]

2013–14

[edit]

Samaras started the 2013–14 season with a goal against NIFL Premiership club Cliftonville in the Champions League second qualifying round,[122] and made it two goals in two matches as he scored in the return leg with a header in a 2–0 victory. Celtic won the tie 5–0 on aggregate.[123] Celtic knocked out Elfsborg in the next round,[124] before playing Shakhter Karagandy in the final qualifying round. Trailing 2–0 from the first leg away in Kazakhstan,[125] they rallied in the return match at Parkhead. Samaras scored early in the second half, adding to Commons' goal just before half time, to level the tie on aggregate. A last minute goal from James Forrest clinched the aggregate win and saw the club once again progress to the group stages.[126] Samaras played in all six group games, but only scored once, away against Barcelona in a 6–1 defeat.[127] He continued to feature regularly in domestic games for Celtic, but was often used as a substitute.[128] He scored a hat-trick on 28 September away against Kilmarnock in a 5–2 win.[129] Samaras only scored another three league goals after that,[130] including a goal from a penalty kick in his final appearance for the club on 11 May 2014, a 3–1 win at home against Dundee United.[131]

The same day, Samaras confirmed that Celtic would not offer him a new deal when his current contract expired at the end of the season, leaving him as a free agent.[132]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

On 22 August 2014, Samaras completed a free transfer move to English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on a two-year contract.[133] He failed to secure a regular place in the team and by January 2015 had made only eight substitute appearances, all without scoring.[134]

On 5 February 2015, Samaras joined Saudi side Al-Hilal on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell.[135] He played against Al-Ahli in the Saudi Crown Prince Cup Final eight days later, but despite scoring his first goal for his new team, they lost 2–1.[136] His next goal came in the first round of the Kings Cup on 10 March 2015, netting his side's fourth goal in a 4–1 win over Al-Jeel.[137]

On 20 March 2015, Samaras faced a hip injury, the most serious injury in his career that forced him to be out of action for almost three months. In April 2015, Greek newspaper SportDay reported that Samaras was unhappy with life in the Middle East and did not wish to continue his career at the Saudi club when his contract expired at the end of the season. It was also reported that Portuguese club Sporting CP were keen to sign him.[138]

Samaras had his contract with West Brom terminated by mutual consent on 17 July 2015.[139]

Later career

[edit]

In August 2015, Samaras was reported to have agreed terms with Serie A club Sampdoria, but the move fell through as the club were unhappy with the results of his medical.[140][141] Afterwards, he spent time in New York to rehabilitate from a back injury, and in November 2015 was linked with a move to the New York Cosmos,[142] although once again no move actually materialised.[143]

Samaras did eventually sign for a North American Soccer League team, joining expansion side Rayo OKC on 10 March 2016.[144] On 2 April, he made his debut in their first match, replacing Robbie Findley for the final 12 minutes of a goalless home draw against FC Edmonton.[145] He was the last of three of the team's players sent off on 28 May in a 1–0 loss at Soccer Bowl holders the Cosmos.[146] Samaras' first goal for the franchise came on 16 July in his 9th match, coming on as a late substitute to wrap up a 3–0 win over the same opponent at the Miller Stadium.[147]

Samaras became a free agent in early 2017 when Rayo OKC shut down after only one season, and his next move was suggested to be to Spain to sign for Real Zaragoza.[148] On 8 February, he was unveiled at a press conference and assigned the number 5 shirt.[149]

On 6 August 2017, Samaras agreed terms with TFF First League club Samsunspor.[150][151] On 24 December he scored his first goal with the club, equalising at the end of the first half, in a 4–2 away loss against Ümraniyespor. It was his first goal since 7 August 2016 when he scored in a 1–1 draw against the New York Cosmos.[152][153] On 12 October 2018, Samaras announced his retirement from football, aged 33.[154]

International career

[edit]
Samaras lining up for Greece in November 2010

Samaras was eligible to play for the Australian national team. His father, Ioannis, was born in Melbourne, but moved to Greece at the age of 13, and had a successful football career, playing for OFI, Panathinaikos, and Greece.[155] Additionally, his grandfather (also Georgios) was one of the founding members of South Melbourne FC. Although Samaras considered playing for Australia, he was never approached by Football Federation Australia and chose to play for the country of his birth.[156]

He made his debut for Greece just a week after his 21st birthday, on 28 February 2006, in a friendly game against Belarus, in which he scored the sole goal of the game.[157] He featured in Greece's Euro 2008 qualifiers and was a member of the unsuccessful Greek squad at the finals,[155] making just one appearance as a second-half substitute in their first UEFA Euro 2008 Group D game against Sweden.[158]

Samaras' fourth international goal was a crucial one, when he scored the winning goal in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Israel in front of his hometown crowd in Heraklion.[159] He scored his fifth international goal with an overhead kick in a World Cup qualifier on 10 October 2009, against Latvia in a 5–2 victory.[160] Samaras also played against Ukraine in a World Cup Qualifying play-off, setting up the sole goal of the tie, passing to Dimitris Salpingidis who slotted home to give Greece a 1–0 win and a place in the 2010 World Cup Finals.[161]

On 1 June 2010, Georgios Samaras was selected in the 23-man Greece squad for the World Cup.[162] ESPN.com rated him as Greece's second best player, only behind talisman Giorgos Karagounis.[163] He played in all three group matches.[155] Despite Greece's 2–1 win over Nigeria, they failed to proceed to the knockout stage, due to 2–0 losses to both South Korea and Argentina.[164] On 17 November 2010, Samaras scored his sixth international goal in a friendly against Austria in Vienna with Greece winning the match 2–1.[165] Samaras also set up Greece's second goal.[165]

Samaras then went on to score a vital goal for Greece against Croatia on 7 October 2011, a volley from the edge of the box with his left foot. The match finished 2–0 and the result meant that Greece qualified for the Euro 2012.[166] Samaras played in all three of Greece's group games at Euro 2012, helping them to finish second in Group A and progress to the quarter-finals.[167] He then played in the quarter-final tie against Germany, scoring early in the second half to level the match at 1–1, although Germany went on to win 4–2 and knock Greece out.[168]

Samaras was selected in Greece's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In the team's final group stage fixture, Samaras assisted Greece's opening goal and scored the winner from a penalty kick in the 90th minute to give the team a 2–1 win over the Ivory Coast and qualify Greece for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.[169]

Style of play

[edit]

Samaras has been described as having all the skills necessary for forward play.[170] His height, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), made him difficult to handle in the air – and he was also a good header of the ball. This meant he could be used as an effective target man and his team could hit long balls up to him. He could also score from corners and crosses. Samaras was also strong which further added to his physical presence and made him harder for defenders to play against.[44]

Samaras' ability to go past defenders is considered one of his best attributes

Samaras was also a good dribbler.[171] This was due to his skill, quick feet and agility. He used this to his advantage and often went on runs where he beat several opposition players. However, he sometimes held onto the ball for too long and got tackled.[172] As well as his dribbling ability, he was quick which meant he could beat players with his pace. He could also use his strength to beat players as well and was also able to use his creativity to set up goals for other players.[94][163] While he was at Manchester City, Eriksson said that he would only retain him in the side if he stopped dribbling and running out wide. Eriksson said that he believed Samaras to be a good header of the ball and he had to stop believing he was like Ronaldinho if he was to become a good player.[44]

Although predominantly a striker, Samaras could also play as a left midfielder. In addition to being able to play as a target man, Samaras was also able to be utilised in several different roles when playing up front. His natural style of play was to drift off the front line and provide a link between the attack and midfield. In doing this he was able to use his pace and skill to run at the defence, while also creating chances or opening up space for his teammates.[163][171] He was also able to run beyond the centre-backs and his pace meant he could run on to through balls hit over the defence.[94]

Despite his ability, Samaras performed inconsistently throughout his career. His mazy runs often went nowhere and he frequently got caught in possession when a pass to a team-mate was available. His languid manner exacerbated supporters' frustrations and often led to accusations of him being "lazy".[170][173][174][175][176]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[citation needed][177][178]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Heerenveen 2002–03 Eredivisie 15 4 1 1 — — 16 5
2003–04 27 4 3 0 — 6 1 36 5
2004–05 31 11 1 0 — 5 0 37 11
2005–06 15 6 1 1 — 5 2 21 9
Total 88 25 6 2 0 0 16 3 110 30
Manchester City 2005–06 Premier League 14 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 16 5
2006–07 35 4 5 1 1 1 0 0 41 6
2007–08 5 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 7 1
Total 54 8 7 2 3 2 0 0 64 12
Celtic 2007–08 Scottish Premier League 16 5 3 1 0 0 2 0 21 6
2008–09 31 15 2 0 3 2 4 0 40 17
2009–10 32 10 2 0 1 0 8 3 43 13
2010–11 22 3 5 0 3 3 4 1 34 7
2011–12 26 4 4 2 1 0 7 0 38 6
2012–13 25 9 4 0 1 0 10 5 40 14
2013–14 Scottish Premiership 20 7 1 0 0 0 12 4 33 11
Total 172 53 21 3 9 5 47 13 249 74
West Bromwich Albion 2014–15 Premier League 5 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 8 0
Al-Hilal 2014–15 Saudi Professional League 5 0 2 1 1 1 3 0 11 2
Rayo Oklahoma City 2016 NASL 24 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 25 2
Zaragoza 2016–17 Segunda División 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
Samsunspor 2017–18 TFF First League 25 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 26 2
Career total 380 90 39 8 15 8 66 16 500 122
  1. ^ Includes KNVB Cup, FA Cup, Scottish Cup, Crown Prince Cup, Copa del Rey, Turkish Cup.
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup, Scottish League Cup, Saudi King's Cup.

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[179]
National team Year Apps Goals
Greece 2006 7 3
2007 7 0
2008 8 0
2009 9 2
2010 12 1
2011 8 1
2012 12 1
2013 7 0
2014 11 1
Total 81 9
Scores and results list Greece's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Samaras goal.
List of international goals scored by Georgios Samaras
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 28 February 2006 Tsirion Stadium, Limassol, Cyprus  Belarus 1–0 1–0 Friendly [180]
2 1 March 2006 GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus  Kazakhstan 2–0 2–0 Friendly [181]
3 11 October 2006 Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina  Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying [182]
4 1 April 2009 Pankritio Stadium, Heraklion, Greece  Israel 2–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [183]
5 10 October 2009 Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece  Latvia 4–2 5–2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [184]
6 17 November 2010 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria  Austria 1–0 2–1 Friendly [185]
7 7 October 2011 Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece  Croatia 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying [186]
8 22 June 2012 PGE Arena‚ Gdańsk, Poland  Germany 1–1 2–4 UEFA Euro 2012 [187]
9 24 June 2014 Estádio Castelão‚ Fortaleza, Brazil  Ivory Coast 2–1 2–1 2014 FIFA World Cup [188]

Honours

[edit]

Celtic[177]

Al-Hilal[177]

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Georgios Samaras

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Georgios Samaras (born 21 February 1985) is a Greek-Australian former professional footballer who primarily played as a forward or left winger, known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and contributions to both club and international success. Standing at 1.93 meters tall, he began his career in his hometown of with OFI before moving to in the in 2002, where he developed into a prolific scorer with 33 goals in 59 appearances. His professional journey took him to prominent clubs across , including a transfer to Manchester City in 2006, followed by a transformative stint at Celtic from 2008 to 2014, during which he scored 74 goals in 249 competitive matches and helped secure four titles (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014), two Scottish Cups, and one . Later career moves included brief spells at West Bromwich Albion, Al-Hilal (where he won the 2015 Saudi King's Cup), and others in the United States, , and Turkey, before retiring in 2018 after playing for . On the international stage, Samaras earned 81 caps for between 2006 and 2014, scoring nine goals, and represented his country at two s (2010, 2014) and two European Championships (2008, 2012). One of his most iconic moments came in the 2014 group stage match against , where he converted a 93rd-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 , propelling to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. This dramatic intervention, along with his consistent performances for Celtic in European competitions—such as scoring in five consecutive away European matches—cemented his reputation as a clutch performer for both club and country. Since retiring, Samaras has transitioned into roles off the pitch, serving as vice-president at OFI Crete and working as a TV presenter and analyst for Nova Sports in , while also founding Cosmos Football Agency.

Early life

Family background

Georgios Samaras was born on 21 February 1985 in , the capital of , . His father, Ioannis Samaras, was a former professional footballer who enjoyed a notable career in Greek football, playing over 100 matches for OFI and later transferring to Panathinaikos in , where he contributed before returning to OFI until his retirement in 1996. Ioannis, born in , , to Greek immigrant parents, had moved back to as a teenager, establishing the family's dual Greek-Australian heritage. Samaras has credited his father with significantly influencing his early interest in football, providing guidance that helped launch his own sporting journey. Limited public information exists about Samaras's mother or any siblings, though the family's ties to both and underscore a bicultural background that shaped his personal foundation.

Youth development

Samaras joined the youth academy of OFI at the age of 10 in 1994. Progressing through the club's age-group teams, he trained rigorously under the guidance of his father, Ioannis Samaras, a former OFI player who retired in 1996 and subsequently served as the academy's chief manager from 1996 to 2000. In 2001, at age 16, Samaras transferred to the youth setup of in the , marking his first professional contract and a significant step abroad encouraged by his to access higher-level . Despite limited senior exposure at OFI, where he remained focused on youth levels without first-team appearances, the move exposed him to the technically demanding and fast-paced Dutch football style, contrasting the more physical Greek approach he knew from . Adapting quickly in Heerenveen's , he honed his skills in reserves competitions, including matches in the Dutch for second-string sides, which helped build his physicality and tactical awareness ahead of senior opportunities by 2002.

Club career

SC Heerenveen

Samaras joined in 2001 from the youth ranks of OFI Crete, transitioning into the club's academy before breaking into the senior team. He made his professional debut in the on 1 December 2002, at the age of 17, during a 1–1 draw against , where he came off the bench and scored the equalizing goal. This appearance marked an early milestone in his career abroad, showcasing his potential as a promising young forward in a competitive European league. Over the course of four seasons from 2002 to 2006, Samaras accumulated 109 appearances across all competitions for , netting 30 goals and establishing himself as a key attacking option. His development was particularly evident in the 2003–04 campaign, during which he scored 4 goals in the , including his first of the season in a 2–1 loss to on 25 October 2003. The 2005–06 season saw another strong showing with 6 goals in 15 appearances, highlighted by contributions in limited starts that demonstrated his efficiency and growing influence within the squad. As a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or on the left wing, Samaras added dynamism to 's attacking setup, often exploiting his physical presence and pace to support the team's high-pressing style. He contributed to their efforts in the , scoring in matches such as the 2–0 win over on 20 December 2005 during the 2005–06 edition. These performances underscored his role in helping Heerenveen maintain competitive form in domestic competitions. In January 2006, his form earned him a high-profile transfer to Manchester City for a fee of £6 million, setting a record for a Greek player at the time and signaling his readiness for a top-tier league.

Manchester City

Georgios Samaras joined Manchester City from on 31 January 2006 for a transfer fee of £6 million, a record amount for a Greek player at the time, drawn by his impressive form in the where he had scored 11 goals in 31 appearances during the 2004–05 season. He was assigned the number 20 shirt and made his debut the following day as a substitute in a 3–0 win over Newcastle United. Samaras quickly adapted to the physical demands of English football, scoring his first goal for the club on 12 February in a 3–2 home victory against Charlton Athletic, heading in from a cross. In his debut half-season of 2005–06, he made 14 league appearances and netted 4 goals, often deployed as a substitute under manager while showing early promise as a tall, versatile forward. The 2006–07 season saw Samaras feature more prominently, with 36 appearances (28 starts) and 4 league goals, including a notable brace in a 2–0 win over West Ham United on 23 September, where he volleyed in the opener and added a second with a clinical finish. He also contributed in cup ties, scoring against Chesterfield in the League Cup and others in the , bringing his total to 7 goals across all competitions that year. Despite these moments of quality, inconsistencies in finishing and decision-making limited his impact, as City finished 14th in the league under Pearce and incoming manager . Samaras's role diminished in the 2007–08 season amid managerial changes and stiff competition from new signings like and , restricting him to just 5 league appearances and 1 goal in total across competitions. On 29 January 2008, seeking regular playing time ahead of , he joined Celtic on a six-month loan, a spell that impressed sufficiently to prompt a permanent £1.5 million transfer in July 2008, concluding his Manchester City tenure with 55 Premier League appearances and 8 goals overall.

Celtic

Samaras joined Celtic on a six-month from Manchester City on 29 January 2008. During this period, he made 21 appearances across all competitions and scored 6 goals, including three matchwinners that contributed to Celtic clinching the 2007–08 (SPL) title under manager . The move was made permanent in July 2008 for an undisclosed fee, reported by some sources as around £1 million, with Samaras signing a three-year . Over the subsequent six seasons until his departure in 2014, he established himself as a key forward, totaling 250 appearances and 74 goals across all competitions for the club, including the loan spell. Samaras played a significant role in Celtic's domestic dominance, contributing to four SPL titles in 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014, as well as two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup. In the 2011–12 season, he was instrumental in ending Rangers' run of nine consecutive titles, providing 15 assists in the league despite scoring only 6 goals, helping secure the championship. His form peaked in 2012–13, when he netted 9 goals in 25 SPL appearances and added crucial strikes in Europe, including the injury-time winner in a famous 2–1 group-stage victory over Barcelona at Celtic Park on 7 November 2012, and a late header securing a 2–1 win at Spartak Moscow. These performances propelled Celtic to the UEFA Champions League last 16 for the first time since 2004, eliminating Barcelona and Juventus from the group stage before a round-of-16 exit to the latter. Renowned among supporters as a cult for his flair, work rate, and big-game moments—such as scoring in five consecutive matches during the 2012–13 title run—Samaras often delivered in high-pressure situations, earning him enduring popularity at despite occasional inconsistency.

West Bromwich Albion

On 22 August 2014, Georgios Samaras joined West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer from Celtic, signing a two-year contract that brought him back to the after a six-year absence. The move was influenced by his successful tenure at Celtic, where he had established himself as a prolific forward, attracting interest from the Baggies seeking experienced attacking options. In the 2014–15 season, Samaras struggled to secure regular playing time under managers Alan Irvine and , making only five substitute appearances in the without scoring a goal. His limited involvement stemmed from persistent fitness concerns, including the need to regain match sharpness after the summer , as well as challenges adapting to the team's tactical setup, which emphasized defensive solidity and direct play. He also featured twice in the League Cup, contributing minimally before the arrival of Pulis in January 2015 further marginalized him in the squad. On 22 January 2015, Samaras was loaned to Saudi Professional League club Al-Hilal for the remainder of the season, where he made five appearances without scoring. Upon returning to West Brom at the end of the loan in June 2015, his contract was terminated by mutual consent on 17 July 2015, effectively ending his brief stint in English top-flight football for a second time.

Later career

After departing West Bromwich Albion, where he had been on loan and limited appearances, Georgios Samaras sought opportunities abroad to revive his career. In March 2016, Samaras signed with , an expansion team in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the United States, aiming to contribute to a side facing challenges in its inaugural season. He made 24 appearances and scored 2 goals for the club, which struggled against relegation threats before folding after one season due to financial issues. Following Rayo OKC's shutdown, Samaras moved to in January 2017, joining in the on a contract until the end of the season. He featured in 7 matches without scoring, providing limited impact as the team fought to avoid relegation, and was released after the half-season. Samaras then signed with Turkish club in the TFF First League in July 2017, marking his final professional stint. Over the next 15 months, he played 26 games and netted 2 goals, including his first for the club on 24 December 2017 to equalize at 2–2 in a 4–2 loss to , ending a 1.5-year scoring . His contract ended in October 2018 amid the team's promotion push. On 12 October 2018, at age 33, Samaras announced his retirement from professional football, expressing a desire to conclude his career on his own terms rather than prolonging it elsewhere; he has not returned to the professional game as of 2025.

International career

Youth international career

Samaras's youth international career with primarily took place at the under-21 level, where he earned five caps between 2004 and 2006 without scoring a . During the qualifying campaign, he emerged as a key contributor for the team, notably delivering a precise from the left flank that enabled substitute Charis Pappas to score the decisive in a 2-0 victory over on 29 March 2005. His involvement in that match helped secure three vital points in Group 8. Samaras also featured prominently as one of the team's strikers in other qualifiers, partnering with Evagelos Mantzios to provide attacking threat, though the squad struggled with midfield creativity in some fixtures, such as a 1-0 home loss to on 7 June 2005. These appearances, totaling around 12 games across youth levels when including earlier under-19 involvement, underscored his growing role in the national setup. His call-ups to the under-21 side closely mirrored his form at , where consistent performances in the from 2002 onward built his confidence and physical presence, paving the way for a seamless transition to the senior team in 2006.

Senior international career

Samaras made his senior debut for the national team on 28 2006, at the age of 21, in a friendly match against in , . Coming on as a substitute, he scored the only goal of the game in a 1–0 victory, marking an impactful start to his international career. Over the next eight years, he became a regular squad member, accumulating 81 caps and scoring 9 goals before retiring from international duty following the . Primarily deployed as a forward or winger, Samaras often served as a depth player and substitute during Greece's post-2004 era, contributing to the team's efforts amid a period of transition after their historic triumph. Samaras featured in all four major tournaments Greece qualified for during his tenure. At in and , he made three substitute appearances without scoring, as Greece exited in the group stage after draws against and and a loss to . In the in , Samaras started all three group stage matches, playing the full 90 minutes against and but being substituted against ; Greece advanced from the group with a win over but were eliminated after losses in the other fixtures. His performances included a notable chance missed against , though the team scored no goals from him in the tournament. At UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, Samaras appeared in all four matches, starting in the group stage games against Poland, Czech Republic, and Russia, and coming on as a substitute in the quarterfinal defeat to Germany. He provided physical presence up front but did not score in the competition, with Greece reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2004 via draws in the group and a win over Russia. In the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Samaras played in all three group stage games, scoring his sole tournament goal—a dramatic 90th-minute penalty against Ivory Coast that secured a 2–1 victory and helped Greece advance to the round of 16 for the first time. Despite the elimination by Costa Rica in the knockout stage, this goal was a highlight, marking his first international strike since 2012 and underscoring his clutch role. Among his notable contributions, Samaras's debut goal stood out as his first for , while later strikes included crucial qualifiers, such as the winner against in 2009 that aided 2010 World Cup qualification. He announced his international retirement after the 2014 tournament, citing a desire to focus on club football amid Greece's qualification for without him.

Style of play

Physical attributes and strengths

Georgios Samaras stood at 1.93 meters (6 ft 4 in) tall, which endowed him with a commanding physical presence on the pitch, particularly in aerial duels where his lanky frame allowed him to dominate opponents despite an initially perceived weakness in heading. Over time, he developed into a proficient header, scoring several majestic goals from aerial challenges, including notable efforts in the campaign that highlighted his improved timing and leap. This height advantage made him a formidable target for crosses and set-pieces, where he frequently won possession and converted opportunities into scoring threats. As a strong left-footed striker, Samaras showcased technical control and prowess, often cutting inside from the left flank to unleash precise shots or create for teammates. His left foot was instrumental in set-piece delivery and finishing, as evidenced by neat volleys and bends during key matches, such as his debut goal for Celtic in 2008. For a forward of his stature, Samaras possessed surprising pace, enabling direct runs and bursts into dangerous positions that belied his size. Samaras's endurance and work rate were standout attributes, allowing him to maintain high pressing intensity throughout matches and chase down loose balls relentlessly in forward roles. This tireless effort contributed to securing the 2007–08 title through match-winning goals and overall commitment. His ability to press effectively suited high-pressing systems, enhancing his value as a dynamic presence in attacking transitions.

Positional versatility and weaknesses

Throughout his career, Georgios Samaras demonstrated notable positional versatility, capable of operating as a central striker, left winger, or second striker. At , he primarily functioned as a poacher-like forward, leveraging his goal-scoring instincts to net 27 goals in 93 appearances during his early years. This adaptability became particularly evident during his time at City and with the national team, where he was frequently deployed on the left wing to exploit his pace and directness, often cutting inside to support central attacks. Samaras' tactical evolution saw him transition from a pure finisher at to a more creative role at Celtic, where manager repositioned him as a left winger in a 4-4-2 formation, allowing him to contribute 48 assists alongside his 74 goals in 250 appearances. However, he struggled to adapt to the rigid, high-intensity systems of the , particularly at Manchester City, where his limited starts (12 goals in 65 games) highlighted difficulties in maintaining consistency within structured setups. Internationally, his wide role for similarly emphasized support play, though it sometimes limited his central impact. Despite his physical tools, Samaras' weaknesses included inconsistent finishing and a tendency to fall into offside traps due to lapses in concentration and timing. His languid style and perceived poor work rate off the ball often led to criticism for drifting in and out of matches, exacerbating his frustration as a central No. 9. In later years, particularly at West Bromwich Albion, he became increasingly injury-prone, suffering a serious hip injury in March 2015 that sidelined him for nearly three months and contributed to the early termination of his contract. Overall, Samaras was regarded as a talented player who underachieved his potential, with career highlights confined to specific successes at Celtic—such as key contributions in the 2012 Champions League upset against —and pivotal moments for at Euro 2012 and the 2014 , rather than sustained dominance across clubs. His inconsistencies prevented a more prominent role in top-tier leagues, leaving him as a figure rather than a universal star.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Throughout his professional club career, Georgios Samaras made over 450 appearances and scored more than 100 goals across various competitions, including the , , , and others. These figures encompass league matches, domestic cups, and European fixtures, with notable contributions in continental play during his tenure at Celtic. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club, aggregated from all competitions:
ClubAppearancesGoals
5933
Manchester City548
Celtic24974
West Bromwich Albion80
Al-Hilal50
242
70
252
Total431119
Data compiled from Transfermarkt and Soccerway; minor discrepancies exist in sources for cup and lower-tier matches (e.g., Transfermarkt lists slightly higher totals for early career clubs due to additional youth or reserve inclusions). Samaras's European record highlights his impact at Celtic, where he recorded 18 appearances and 4 goals in the , including standout performances in the 2012–13 group stage.

International statistics

Georgios Samaras earned 81 caps for the senior national team between 2006 and 2014, during which he scored 9 goals. His goals were limited to friendlies and qualification campaigns for major tournaments, providing key contributions in competitive fixtures; representative examples include a goal against in a 2007 UEFA qualifier, a strike versus in a 2008 international friendly, and a goal against in a 2011 UEFA qualifier. Samaras featured in four major international tournaments, accumulating 14 appearances and 2 goals overall. The following table summarizes his participation in these tournaments:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
30
FIFA World Cup 201030
41
FIFA World Cup 201441
Total142

Honours

Club honours

During his club career, Georgios Samaras amassed eight major trophies, primarily with where he contributed to the club's sustained dominance in Scottish football from 2008 to 2014. With Celtic, he secured four titles in the seasons 2007–08, 2011–12, 2012–13, and 2013–14; the 2007–08 triumph came during his initial loan spell from Manchester City, where he scored six goals—including three matchwinners—to help clinch the title on the final day. Additionally, Samaras won two Scottish Cups in 2010–11 and 2012–13, as well as the in 2008–09, periods marked by Celtic's consistent challenge for domestic supremacy under managers and . Later, while on loan at Al-Hilal in during the 2014–15 season, Samaras added one more honour by winning the Saudi King's Cup, contributing to the team's success in the competition's knockout stages. He earned no major trophies during his stints with Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, , or , focusing instead on individual performances amid varying team fortunes.

Individual accolades

During his time at Celtic, Georgios Samaras earned several individual recognitions for his performances in the (SPL). In September 2008, he was named SPL Player of the Month after scoring multiple goals, including a brace in a 4-0 victory over , contributing to Celtic's strong start to the season. In January 2011, Samaras was awarded Goal.com World Player of the Week for his brace in a 2-0 victory over Rangers. Samaras' most notable accolade came in the 2012–13 season, when Celtic supporters voted him the club's Player of the Year, acknowledging his 22 goals across all competitions and key contributions to the title-winning campaign. This fan-voted honor highlighted his resurgence as a reliable forward under manager . Additionally, in October 2013, Samaras reached a personal milestone by scoring his 50th goal for Celtic in a 2-0 win against Partick Thistle, a moment celebrated by fans as a testament to his longevity and impact at the club. Internationally, Samaras earned Man of the Match honors in Greece's 2-1 victory over at the . Despite his successes in , Samaras did not receive other major individual honors during his Premier League stint with Manchester City or broader international career with .

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/profil/spieler/6855
  2. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe5357/
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/erfolge/spieler/6855
  4. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/25285284
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/24/greece-ivory-coast-world-cup-2014-match-report
  6. https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/02/21/georgios-samaras-who-chose-to-play-for-greece-instead-of-australia/
  7. https://www.hellenicaworld.com/Greece/Person/en/IoannisSamaras.html
  8. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/15230/Ioannis_Samaras.html
  9. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/ioannis-samaras/335094
  10. https://melbournevictory.com.au/news/next-chapter-samaras-story/
  11. https://kids.kiddle.co/Georgios_Samaras
  12. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/georgios-samaras.html
  13. https://www.thecelticwiki.com/samaras-georgios/
  14. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/exclusive-celtic-hitman-samaras-shares-1032417
  15. https://www.transfermarkt.com/fc-groningen_sc-heerenveen/index/spielbericht/1011166
  16. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/6855
  17. https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j94823.html
  18. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/6855/saison/2003/wettbewerb/NL1/verein/306
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/6855/saison/2005/wettbewerb/NL1/verein/306
  20. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sc-heerenveen_vvv-venlo/index/spielbericht/1152951
  21. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/4658660.stm
  22. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-samaras-deal-completed-1018232
  23. https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/2016/january/on-this-day-in-manchester-city-history-31-january
  24. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4680620.stm
  25. https://fbref.com/en/players/1b77cb6a/matchlogs/2005-2006/summary/Georgios-Samaras-Match-Logs
  26. https://fbref.com/en/players/1b77cb6a/matchlogs/2006-2007/summary/Georgios-Samaras-Match-Logs
  27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/5351944.stm
  28. https://www.statcity.co.uk/Players/890/Georgios-Samaras
  29. https://fbref.com/en/players/1b77cb6a/matchlogs/2007-2008/summary/Georgios-Samaras-Match-Logs
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jul/15/celtic.auxerre
  31. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01c9-0e6ee5e55f3e-04441cb9f66c-1000--celtic-capture-samaras-and-mizuno/
  32. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/other-sports/celtic-sign-georgios-samaras-on-three-year-983704
  33. https://www.mancity.com/news/club-news/club-news/archive/2008/july/samaras-joins-celtic
  34. https://www.transfermarkt.com/georgios-samaras/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/6855
  35. https://www.transfermarkt.com/georgios-samaras/erfolge/spieler/6855
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2470952/2021/03/30/georgios-samaras-deceptively-creative-individualist-who-is-most-laidback-person-ever/
  37. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/6855/saison/2012/wettbewerb/SC1/verein/371
  38. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/whatever-happened-celtic-cult-hero-26534455
  39. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/28886833
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/22/georgios-samaras-west-bromwich-albion-two-year-deal
  41. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-georgios-samaras-could-8024957
  42. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/22/georgios-samaras-loan-west-brom-al-hilal
  43. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37425125/georgios-samaras-west-bromwich-contract-terminated
  44. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3165669/Georgios-Samaras-severs-ties-West-Brom-making-eight-appearances.html
  45. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/2016/03/10/rayo-okc-signs-georgios-samaras/60687530007/
  46. https://fbref.com/en/players/1b77cb6a/Georgios-Samaras
  47. https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/nasls-rayo-okc-nabs-greece-national-teamer-georgios-samaras
  48. https://en.as.com/en/2017/02/08/soccer/1486558681_090524.html
  49. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/alletore/spieler/6855
  50. https://www.transfermarkt.us/umraniyespor_samsunspor/index/spielbericht/2489185
  51. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/georgios-samaras-ex-celtic-striker-announces-retirement-at-age-of-33-561213
  52. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45835738
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/nationalmannschaft/spieler/6855/verein_id/9317
  54. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de67d9abcf6-8b06e46367a0-1000--greece-avert-albanian-upset/
  55. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de681527720-5beb3fc960bb-1000--pukanych-prospers-in-athens/
  56. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b98f659bf-4c798935f515-1000--samaras-gets-greece-going/
  57. https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/georgios-samaras/2618
  58. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/11415-georgios-samaras
  59. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8755086.stm
  60. https://celticunderground.net/the-resurrection-of-samaras/
  61. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/georgios-samaras/
  62. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/leistungsdaten/spieler/6855
  63. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/30/euro-2012-greece-tactics
  64. https://theathletic.com/1683743
  65. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37339287/world-cup-performance-dictate-future-georgios-samaras
  66. https://us.soccerway.com/player/samaras-georgios/beCOQ9t2/
  67. https://www.transfermarkt.us/georgios-samaras/nationalmannschaft/spieler/6855
  68. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/grk-recintlp.html
  69. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/7649064.stm
  70. https://www.goal.com/en/news/416/world-football/2011/01/03/1867856/world-player-of-the-week-georgios-samaras-celtic
  71. https://www.celticfc.com/news/3962
  72. https://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/10/30/celtic-open-contract-talks-with-georgios-samaras-joe-ledley/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.