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Kalamata Football Club (Greek: Π.Σ. "Η Καλαμάτα") is a Greek professional football club based in Kalamata, Messenia. They compete in the Super League Greece 2, the second tier of the Greek football league system. The club's home ground is the Kalamata Metropolitan Stadium.

Key Information

Creation and early years

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Kalamata FC was formed in 1967 when local teams Apollon Kalamata FC and Kalamata Sports Club were forced to merge by the Greek Junta.[1] The Phoenix, which was the emblem of the dictatorship, was chosen as the team's crest and was removed after the Greek restoration of democracy in 1974.

History

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The team has competed in the Greek first division seven times, in 1972–73, 1974–75, from 1995–96 to 1997–98, and from 1999–2000 to 2000–01.[2]

Kalamata F.C. achieved its first two promotions to the first division, in 1972 and 1974, under President Lykourgos Gaitanaros. Its first two promotions in the early 1970s are considered the team's first golden era.[citation needed] The team could not stick in the top flight though, and would not have a resurgence until the 1990s.

Nikos Liberopoulos

Businessman Stavros Papadopoulos bought the team in 1992, while the club was stuck in Gamma Ethniki, the third division. Upon his arrival, Papadopoulos began pouring a substantial amount of money into the club, and by 1995 the team had achieved promotion to the first division. The team dropped back to the second division for one season in 1998, but again achieved promotion to the first division the very next year, and remained in the top flight until Papadopoulos sold the team in 2000. After Papadopoulos' departure Kalamata fell to the second division and has since stayed in the lower divisions.

The Papadopoulos era of Kalamata F.C. saw the signing of many international players from Ghana, such as Samuel Johnson, Afo Dodoo, Ebenezer Hagan, Peter Ofori-Quaye and Derek Boateng. Johnson later transferred from Kalamata to Anderlecht and later played for Fenerbahçe, Hagan transferred to Iraklis and then to PAOK, Ofori-Quaye was sold for a club record US$3.5 million to Olympiacos, and Derek Boateng left for Panathinaikos. Kalamata FC is credited with starting the trend among Greek clubs of signing African talent since the late 1990s. The Papadopoulos era also saw the uncovering of a wealth of young Greek talent, including Greek international player Nikos Liberopoulos, who made his name at Kalamata before moving to Panathinaikos, and from there to AEK and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kalamata FC team bus

After being demoted to the second division in 1997, they eventually started to bring in young Brazilian talent, as well as some veterans of the biggest teams in Brazil. The Brazilians helped the team gain promotion to the first division right away in 1998. According to Brazilian media and insiders, Papadopoulos' son Daniil, a former high level amateur athlete in America, was supposedly instrumental in spotting some of the Brazilian talent and sending them to Kalamata FC.[citation needed] One of them, Hilton Assis (1999-2000), turned out to be the first cousin of Brazil and Barcelona FC super star Ronaldinho. Hilton was once a promising player in Brazil who starred for Internacional of Porto Alegre, but serious knee operations curtailed his career. When he was healthy he was Kalamata's top goal scorer, but he returned to the Brazilian first division after Papadopoulos sold the team.

Kalamata's long-standing rivals are Paniliakos and Egaleo.

Crest and colours

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Former crest of Kalamata F.C.

Kalamata F.C.'s official colours are black and white, and the team is known in Greece as the "Black Storm" (Μαύρη Θύελλα).

Stadium

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Kalamata plays its home matches at Kalamata Metropolitan Stadium in Kalamata. The stadium was completed in 1976, and currently has a seating capacity of 5,400.[3]

Supporters

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Kalamata F.C.'s most famous supporters' club is the "Bulldogs Fan Club".[4]

Rivals

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Kalamata's long-standing rivals are Paniliakos, located in Pyrgos in the western Peloponnese, and Egaleo, in Athens suburb of Egaleo. Messiniakos is Kalamata's cross-town rival, but Messiniakos generally competed in lower leagues.

Sponsors

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As for the 2019–20 the main sponsor of the team is the Greek electrical company Volterra SA and the kit provider is Capelli Sport.

Players

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Main page: List of Kalamata players

Current squad

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As of 29 August 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  GRE Georgios Ladas
2 DF  GRE Nikos Vafeas
4 DF  GRE Stefanos Stroungis
6 DF  FIN Juha Pirinen
7 MF  ARG Juan Cataldi
8 MF  GRE Kaloudis Lemonis
9 FW  GRE Vasilios Mantzis
10 FW  FRA Nicolas Diguiny
11 MF  EQG Josete Miranda
13 GK  GRE Ioannis Gelios
14 MF  GRE Georgios Pamlidis (on loan from Aris)
16 MF  POR Bruno Gama
18 FW  BOL Carmelo Algarañaz
19 DF  FRA Messemo Bakayoko
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 MF  GUI Ahmad Mendes Moreira
22 DF  GRE Petros Kaloutsikidis
23 MF  GRE Angelos Ikonomou
26 MF  ARG Julián Bonetto
27 DF  FRA Salimo Sylla
29 MF  ARG Nicolás Czornomaz
31 GK  GRE Manolis Kalogerakis
32 DF  GRE Stathis Tachatos
33 DF  GRE Odysseas Lymperakis
38 MF  GRE Ilias Tselios
62 DF  GRE Timotheos Tselepidis
64 FW  GRE Savvas Mouzakis
77 MF  GRE Nikolaos Spyrakos (on loan from PAOK B)
97 FW  GRE Konstantinos Kotsopoulos

Honours

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Domestic

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League titles

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Regional

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League titles

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Cups

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League Participation

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European matches

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Season Competition Round Club Home Away
2000 UEFA Intertoto Cup 3rd Round Czech Republic FK Chmel Blšany 0−3 0–5

Notable Former Managers

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Notable former players

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Greece
Ghana
Argentina
Brazil
Albania
Uruguay
Serbia
Sweden
  • Sweden Peter Larsson

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kalamata F.C.

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from Grokipedia
Kalamata F.C., officially Podosfairikos Syllogos "I Kalamata", is a professional association football club based in , , , that competes in , the second tier of the Greek football league system. The club was founded in 1967 following a forced merger of local teams, including Apollon Kalamata F.C. and Kalamata Sports Club, imposed by the regime. It plays home matches at Kalamata Municipal Stadium, a venue completed in 1976 with a of 5,613. Historically, Kalamata F.C. has experienced multiple promotions and relegations between divisions, achieving early ascents to the top-flight Alpha Ethniki in the 1970s under president Lykourgos Gaitanaros, though it has spent most of its existence in lower tiers without major national titles. In recent seasons, the club returned to the first division for 2023–24 before relegation, and as of the 2025–26 Super League Greece 2 campaign, it leads its group with an undefeated record of five wins and one draw. The team draws support from the local Messenian community and diaspora, emphasizing regional identity over widespread commercial success.

History

Founding and early development

Kalamata F.C., officially known as Podosfairikos Syllogos "I Kalamata", was founded on January 1, 1967, through a compulsory merger of local football clubs in the city of , , enforced by the Greek . The junta's directive aimed to consolidate fragmented local teams into a single entity to streamline competition and enhance national representation, reflecting broader regime policies on sports reorganization during its rule from 1967 to 1974. The merger primarily united Apollon Kalamata (established in 1927) with Kalamata Sports Club and at least two other local sides, including Ethnikos Kalamatas, forming a club intended to embody the city's footballing identity. This created Π.Σ. "Η Καλαμάτα", which inherited elements like the black-and-white kit colors from its predecessors and quickly adopted the nickname Mavri Thiella (Black Storm), symbolizing aggressive play. In its debut 1967–68 season, the club participated in the Messenian regional championship under the Hellenic Football Federation's structure, mounting a strong challenge for promotion to national divisions but ultimately finishing second after a tight contest. Early matches emphasized local derbies and infrastructure adaptation, with the team playing at rudimentary facilities amid the junta's oversight of athletic activities.

Initial promotions and top-flight appearances

Kalamata F.C. secured its inaugural promotion to the Greek first division, then known as Alpha Ethniki, by winning Group 1 of the Beta Ethniki in the 1971–72 season. This achievement came under the leadership of president Lykourgos Gaitanaros, who guided the club through its early competitive rise. The promotion marked the club's debut in top-flight football for the 1972–73 campaign, where it competed in a 18-team league, recording 8 wins, 10 draws, and 16 losses across 34 matches, finishing 15th and facing immediate relegation. Following relegation, Kalamata swiftly returned to Alpha Ethniki after another strong performance in Beta Ethniki during the 1973–74 season, earning promotion for the 1974–75 term. In this second top-flight stint, the club improved markedly, achieving an 8th-place finish in the league standings, which allowed it to avoid relegation and represent a period of relative stability. These early appearances under Gaitanaros's presidency laid foundational experience for the club, though subsequent seasons saw a return to lower divisions until later revivals.

Mid-era challenges and relegations

Following relegation from the Alpha Ethniki after finishing in the lower positions during the 1974–75 season, Kalamata F.C. struggled to maintain competitive stability in the national leagues. The club competed in the Beta Ethniki for the 1976–77 season but could not secure promotion back to the top tier, resulting in demotion to regional local championships from 1978 to 1985. This prolonged stint in amateur-level football underscored persistent organizational challenges, including limited resources and inconsistent performance that prevented a swift return to professional national competition. By 1986, Kalamata had re-entered the national structure through the Gamma Ethniki, the third tier, where they remained entrenched for much of the late 1980s and early 1990s, as evidenced by their participation in the 1988–89 Gamma Ethniki campaign. Without notable advancements during this period, the team faced ongoing difficulties in talent development and financial backing, which delayed promotions until external interventions like the 1992 acquisition by businessman Stavros Papadopoulos, who stabilized operations amid third-division stagnation. These mid-era setbacks culminated in a pattern of relegations that distanced the club from elite Greek football, contrasting sharply with their earlier top-flight appearances and setting the stage for later efforts at revival. The 1997–98 Alpha Ethniki season marked another relegation, with Kalamata finishing 17th out of 18 teams and dropping back to the Beta Ethniki.

Late 20th-century resurgence and declines

Following a period of stagnation in the lower divisions during the 1980s, where the club competed primarily in the Beta and Gamma Ethniki without achieving promotion to the top flight, Kalamata F.C. underwent a notable resurgence in the early 1990s. Businessman Stavros Papadopoulos acquired the club in 1992 amid its struggles in the third-tier Gamma Ethniki, injecting substantial funds that facilitated swift progress through the leagues. By the 1993–94 season, Kalamata had ascended to the Beta Ethniki, and in 1994–95, they secured second place, earning promotion to the Alpha Ethniki for the first time since 1975. In the Alpha Ethniki, the team initially stabilized with mid-table finishes of 13th in 1995–96 and 11th in 1996–97, reflecting improved competitiveness under Papadopoulos's investment strategy, which included early adoption of African players—a trend that influenced other Greek clubs. However, performance declined sharply in 1997–98, culminating in a 17th-place finish and relegation after accumulating only 22 points from 34 matches. Kalamata bounced back by clinching promotion once more via a third-place standing in the Beta Ethniki during 1998–99, returning to the Alpha Ethniki for the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons. Yet, these stints ended in further declines, with relegation after the 2000–01 campaign amid mounting financial strains and inconsistent results, signaling the limits of the investment-driven revival as the club faced repeated top-flight instability.

21st-century struggles and recent revival

Following relegation from the Super League Greece (then Alpha Ethniki) in the 2000–01 season after finishing 15th, Kalamata F.C. spent the next nine years in the Football League (Beta Ethniki, second tier), consistently posting mid-table results such as 11th in 2001–02, 7th in 2002–03, and 9th in 2008–09, without securing promotion back to the top flight. This period reflected broader challenges in Greek lower-tier football, including limited resources and competitive stagnation, as the club failed to capitalize on opportunities despite occasional solid performances. The 2009–10 season marked further decline, with a 17th-place finish leading to relegation to the third tier (Football League). Subsequent years exacerbated struggles, including drops to the fourth tier (e.g., Protathlima EPS Messinias in 2016–17) and inconsistent results in Gamma Ethniki, such as 5th in 2017–18, amid typical issues like player turnover and regional competition that hindered stability. By the late 2010s, the club languished outside the professional second tier, emblematic of many provincial Greek teams facing financial pressures and talent drainage to larger clubs. Revival began in the 2020–21 season, when Kalamata won the third-tier Football League title, earning promotion to Super League Greece 2. Since entering the second tier, the club has shown progressive improvement: 3rd in 2021–22, 6th in 2022–23, 4th in 2023–24, and 2nd in 2024–25, culminating in a strong start to 2025–26 atop the table with five wins and one draw early in the campaign. This upward trajectory, fueled by local investment and diaspora support, positions Kalamata for potential elevation to the Super League Greece, fostering community unity in Messenia.

Club Identity

Crest, colours, and symbolism

Kalamata F.C.'s official colours are black and white, prominently featured in the club's kits, such as the 2024-25 home kit with black-and-white stripes manufactured by . This palette underpins the team's longstanding nickname "Mavri Thyella" (Black Storm), evoking images of unrelenting power and dynamism in Greek football culture. The club's crest carries historical weight from its origins under Greece's military junta. Formed in 1967 via a regime-enforced merger of local teams including Apollon Kalamata—which contributed the black-and-white colours—the club was mandated to use the phoenix as its emblem, a motif emblematic of the dictatorship's ideology of rebirth and continuity. After democracy's return, the phoenix was promptly abolished in 1974, replaced by a contemporary design reflecting the club's independent identity post-junta. No explicit symbolism beyond historical rejection of authoritarian symbols is documented for the current crest, which integrates the club's name and stylized elements consistent with its storm moniker.

Kit evolution and current sponsors

Kalamata F.C.'s kits have historically emphasized the club's black and white colors, symbolizing their "Black Storm" identity, with home designs typically featuring white shirts accented by black stripes or patterns, paired with black shorts and socks. Early kits in the late 20th century adhered to vertical black-and-white stripes, evolving in the 21st century toward more modern templates with varying stripe widths, crew necks, and sponsor placements while maintaining the core bicolor scheme. Kit manufacturers have changed periodically to align with the club's league status and partnerships. Legea served as supplier from 2013 to 2019, introducing breathable fabrics and localized designs. Nike provided kits during the 2014–2015 and 2021–2023 seasons, coinciding with promotional pushes, featuring Dri-FIT technology and bold graphic elements. Capelli took over from 2019 to 2021, followed by Kappa in 2023–2024 with compression-fit options, and Admiral for the 2024–2025 campaign, which included a home jersey with prominent black hoops. Since 2025, Macron has been the kit manufacturer, supplying the 2025–26 season uniforms released on July 28, 2025, including a white home kit with black detailing and a plain black away version. Current sponsorships for the 2025 season feature Novibet as the main shirt sponsor. Additional key partners include GP Financial and Athanasiou Group, with Macron also listed among supporters providing equipment. The full roster of sponsors, encompassing sectors like finance, water, medical, and construction, supports operations across 19 entities as detailed on the club's official site.

Infrastructure

Stadium and training facilities

Kalamata F.C. plays its home matches at the Kalamata Municipal Stadium (Greek: Δημοτικό Στάδιο Καλαμάτας), situated in Kalamata, Messenia, Greece. Constructed in 1976, the venue features a natural grass pitch, an athletics running track, and a total seating capacity of 5,613. The stadium serves primarily as the club's primary matchday ground and occasionally hosts other athletic events, though it lacks undersoil heating. Kalamata F.C. maintains a dedicated training center in the Paliampela district of Kalamata, where the first-team conducts regular sessions and open practices for supporters and media. Ongoing upgrades to the training facilities, financed personally by club owner Giorgos Prassas, aim to enhance player and staff accommodations, with improvements continuing as of September 10, 2025.

Fanbase and Culture

Supporter groups and attendance

The primary organized supporter group for Kalamata F.C. is the Bulldogs Fan Club, formed in 1991 and traditionally based in Gate 5 of the Kalamata Municipal Stadium, where members display choreographies and chants during matches. Other active ultras-style groups include Kalamata Hardcore, which emphasizes unwavering loyalty with the motto "Black Storm until the sun goes out," and the Pirates Fans 5 collective. These factions have maintained presence through the club's lower-division struggles, as evidenced by their continued support in seasons like 2012–13 despite poor on-field results. Kalamata's fanbase extends beyond local supporters to include a Messenian diaspora in cities such as Melbourne and Chicago, fostering global unity around the club's promotion pushes. Passion for local derbies, particularly against cross-town rivals Messiniakos, intensifies attendance and atmosphere, though Messiniakos has mostly competed in inferior divisions. In Super League 2, Kalamata's average home attendance typically ranges from 800 to 1,200 per match, consistent with second-tier Greek football dynamics and the club's 5,500-capacity stadium. Historical peaks, such as 3,404 average in the 1997–98 top-flight season, contrast with modern figures influenced by league position and economic factors in Messenia. Recent seasons show steady turnout exceeding 1,000 for key fixtures, underscoring core loyalty amid fluctuating promotion battles.

Rivalries and local derbies

Kalamata F.C.'s primary local derby is the Messinia rivalry with Messiniakos F.C., the other major club from the , centered in Messini approximately 20 kilometers northeast of . This contest, often termed the "Messenian derby," arises from geographical proximity and competition for regional supremacy within the prefecture, with matches drawing intense local support despite Messiniakos typically competing in lower divisions. The rivalry's documented origins date to the early 1990s, when Kalamata recorded early victories including 2–0 and 1–0 against Messiniakos, marking the onset of the "Messenian kontra" (rivalry). Head-to-head encounters since 2006 have yielded mixed results, with Kalamata securing at least one win in league play, though draws and lower-division disparities have limited frequency. Beyond the immediate locality, Kalamata maintains a longstanding regional rivalry with from Pyrgos in the western Peloponnese, encompassing the broader West Peloponnese derby framework. This fixture reflects inter-prefectural tensions within the peninsula, with historical matches in the Beta Ethniki and leagues featuring competitive outcomes: Paniliakos holds a slight edge with two wins against Kalamata's none, alongside six draws across eight encounters up to 2018, averaging under two goals per match. Such games underscore Peloponnesian football's decentralized rivalries, though they lack the fervor of major Athenian derbies due to the clubs' mid-tier status. Kalamata has also faced Egaleo F.C. from the Athens suburb of Egaleo in national leagues, fostering a rivalry through shared Beta Ethniki participation in the 1990s and 2000s, but this is less localized, rooted instead in competitive league clashes rather than geography. Overall, these derbies emphasize Kalamata's role in sustaining Peloponnesian football identity amid fluctuating divisions, with fan attendance spiking for regional fixtures despite modest average crowds.

Personnel

Current squad composition

As of the 2025–26 season, Kalamata F.C.'s first-team squad comprises 27 players, with an average age of 29.5 years and 10 foreign players representing nationalities including Argentina, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, France, Portugal, and Senegal. The composition emphasizes experienced midfielders and forwards, supplemented by a mix of domestic and international defenders and goalkeepers.

Goalkeepers

  • Georgios Ladas (Greece, 26, #1)
  • Manolis Kalogerakis (Greece, 33, #31)
  • Ioannis Gelios (Greece/Germany, 33, #13)

Defenders

  • Nikolaos Vafeas (Greece, 28, #2)
  • Stefanos Stroungis (Greece, 28, #4)
  • Timotheos Tselepidis (Greece, 29, #62)
  • Junior Bakayoko (France/Côte d'Ivoire, 30, #19)
  • Odysseas Lymperakis (Greece, 27, #33)
  • Salimo Sylla (France/Senegal, 31, #27)
  • Petros Kaloutsikidis (Greece, 24, #22)
  • Stathis Tachatos (Greece, 24, #32)

Midfielders

  • Kaloudis Lemonis (Greece, 29, #8)
  • Juan Cataldi (Argentina/Italy, 26, #7)
  • Angelos Ikonomou (Greece, 30, #23)
  • Nicolás Czornomaz (Argentina/Italy, 30, #29)
  • Ilias Tselios (Greece, 28, #38)

Forwards

  • Josete Miranda (Equatorial Guinea/Spain, 27, #11)
  • Ahmad Mendes Moreira (Guinea/Netherlands, 30, #20)
  • Bruno Gama (Portugal, 37, #16)
  • Julián Bonetto (Argentina/Italy, 31, #26)
  • Georgios Pamlidis (Greece, 31, #14)
  • Nikolaos Spyrakos (Greece, 21, #77)
  • Carmelo Algarañaz (Bolivia, 29, #18)
  • Konstantinos Kotsopoulos (Greece, 28, #97)
  • Vasilios Mantzis (Greece, 33, #9)
  • Nicolas Diguiny (France/Côte d'Ivoire, 37, #10)
  • Savvas Mouzakis (Greece, 20, #64)

Coaching and management staff

As of October 2025, Alekos Vosniadis serves as the manager of , having been appointed on July 1, 2025, with his contract extending through June 30, 2026. Vosniadis, aged 64 and Greek, previously managed AE Larissa before joining Kalamata. The coaching staff includes two assistant managers: Michalis Boukouvalas, 37, and Konstantinos Stamelos, 31, both Greek and appointed on July 1, 2025. Panagiotis Pomonis, 39, handles goalkeeping coaching, while Triantafyllos Ikonomou, 36, serves as fitness coach; both joined concurrently with Vosniadis from AE Larissa. Key management figures include Georgios Prassas as president and board member, a Chicago-based Messenian diaspora figure who has driven the club's vision since acquiring significant influence. Evripidis Tsimpanakos, 41, oversees football operations, appointed July 1, 2025. Giannis Stathis acts as team manager, appointed in May 2025.
RoleNameNationalityAppointment Date
ManagerAlekos VosniadisGreekJuly 1, 2025
Assistant ManagerMichalis BoukouvalasGreekJuly 1, 2025
Assistant ManagerKonstantinos StamelosGreekJuly 1, 2025
Goalkeeping CoachPanagiotis PomonisGreekJuly 1, 2025
Fitness CoachTriantafyllos IkonomouGreekJuly 1, 2025
PresidentGeorgios PrassasGreekOngoing
Head of Football OperationsEvripidis TsimpanakosGreekJuly 1, 2025
Team ManagerGiannis StathisGreekMay 2025

Notable former managers

Nikos Anastopoulos, a former Greece international and top scorer in the Alpha Ethniki with 194 goals, managed Kalamata F.C. from January 2020 to September 2022. Under his tenure, the club won the Super League Greece 2 South division in the 2021–22 season, earning promotion to the after a 26-year absence from the top flight; the team finished with 70 points from 30 matches, including 22 wins. Anastopoulos departed following a ninth-place finish in the the subsequent season. Bo Petersson coached the team from December 1995 to August 1997, shortly after their promotion to the Greek first division in 1994–95. The Swedish manager oversaw Kalamata's participation in the Alpha Ethniki for two seasons, where the club recorded mid-table finishes, including 10th place in 1995–96 with 39 points from 30 games, helping stabilize the team in the top tier during a period of financial investment by owner Stavros Papadopoulos. Sakis Tsiolis managed Kalamata briefly in 2004 and again from July to September 2022, following Anastopoulos's exit after relegation from the Super League; his second stint ended without significant impact as the club returned to Super League 2. Tsiolis, known for prior promotions with other clubs like PAS Giannina, contributed to squad rebuilding efforts but departed amid early-season struggles.

Notable former players

Kalamata F.C. has been a launching pad for several players who achieved success at higher levels in Greek and international football, particularly during its periods in the Super League and earlier promotions. Among the most prominent is , who began his professional career with the club in the 1994–95 season in the Greek Second Division, scoring prolifically as a young forward before transferring to Panathinaikos in 1996, where he developed into a Greece national team striker with over 100 Super League goals across his career. Another key figure is Derek Boateng, the Ghanaian defensive midfielder who joined Kalamata at age 16 in 1999 and featured in 35 league matches over two seasons, helping establish his reputation in Europe prior to moves to Panathinaikos, Beşiktaş, and later clubs in Spain, Ukraine, and Italy; he earned 57 caps for Ghana, including three Africa Cup of Nations and the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. Kostas Frantzeskos, a Greece international with 38 caps and 7 goals, played for Kalamata in the 2000–01 Super League season, logging 28 appearances and providing creative midfield play amid the club's relegation battle at age 31, following stints with AEK Athens and PAOK. Club longevity records highlight local stalwarts like Athanasios Sentementes, who holds the all-time record for most appearances, embodying the dedication of homegrown talent through multiple divisions from the 1980s onward. Similarly, Christos Kalantzis ranks second in appearances, contributing as a midfielder during key promotion campaigns in the 1990s. In the late 1990s, owner Apostolos Papadopoulos recruited a cohort of Ghanaian talents, including Samuel Johnson and Afo Dodoo, who bolstered the squad's attack and defense during ascents to the top flight, reflecting the club's era of international scouting from Africa.

Achievements and Records

Domestic league and cup honours

Kalamata F.C. has earned promotion to Greece's top-flight Alpha Ethniki (predecessor to the Super League Greece) on four occasions through success in the Beta Ethniki, the second tier: the 1971–72 season (Group 1 champions), 1973–74 season (Group 2 champions), 1994–95 season, and 1998–99 season. These achievements marked the club's most notable domestic league successes, enabling spells in the first division during 1972–73, 1974–75, 1995–96 to 1997–98, and 1999–2000 to 2000–01. The club has never secured a title in the top division. Additional promotions include ascent to the second tier in the 1992–93 season and to the third tier in the 2010–11 season. Kalamata has not claimed any national cup honours, including the , despite periodic participation in the competition.

Regional titles and lower-division successes

Kalamata F.C. rapidly ascended the Greek football pyramid in its formative years, securing promotion to the Alpha Ethniki (first division) in the 1971–72 season through success in the Beta Ethniki playoffs. The club repeated this feat in 1973–74, again via playoff victory, marking its early establishment as a competitive force outside the top flight. Following periods of relegation, Kalamata achieved promotion to the Gamma Ethniki (third tier) in the 1984–85 season, laying groundwork for further national-level contention. In 1992–93, under manager Stavros Papadopoulos, the team earned advancement to the Beta Ethniki (second tier), demonstrating sustained lower-division prowess. A notable resurgence occurred in 2010–11 with promotion back to the third tier after earlier demotions. More recently, in the 2019–20 season, Kalamata clinched promotion from the Gamma Ethniki to the Super League 2 (second tier) under coach Giorgos Prassas, highlighted by consistent performance amid restructuring of the Greek league system. These successes underscore the club's resilience in navigating relegations and rebuilds, with multiple pathways back to higher national divisions through playoff qualifications and league dominance.

League participation history

Kalamata F.C., established in 1967 via the forced merger of Apollon Kalamata F.C. and Kalamata Sports Club under the Greek military junta, began its competitive history in regional and lower national divisions. The club secured its inaugural promotions to Greece's top tier, then known as Alpha Ethniki, for the 1972–73 and 1974–75 seasons under president Lykourgos Gaitanaros, marking early breakthroughs amid a backdrop of limited resources and regional focus. Relegation followed the 1974–75 campaign, leading to prolonged competition primarily in the Beta Ethniki (second division) through the 1980s and early 1990s, with intermittent challenges in securing consistent top-flight access due to financial constraints and competitive depth in Greek football. A resurgence in the mid-1990s propelled Kalamata back to Alpha Ethniki for four seasons between 1995–96 and 2000–01, though relegations in 1997–98 and 2000–01 ensued, alongside a third-place finish in Beta Ethniki in 1998–99 that enabled one return. The 2000s brought instability, including a 17th-place finish and relegation from the second tier in 2009–10, which dropped the club to amateur levels temporarily amid administrative and financial turmoil. Recovery involved third-tier triumphs, such as winning the Football League in 2020–21 for promotion to Super League 2, where the club has competed since the 2021–22 season, achieving playoff contention but no top-flight return as of the completed 2024–25 campaign. The following table summarizes Kalamata's historical league placements in professional divisions, highlighting key promotions and relegations:
SeasonDivisionTierPositionNotes
1972/73Alpha Ethniki1st15th
1974/75Alpha Ethniki1st17thRelegated
1995/96Alpha Ethniki1st14th
1996/97Alpha Ethniki1st11th
1997/98Alpha Ethniki1st17thRelegated
1998/99Beta Ethniki2nd3rdPromoted
1999/00Alpha Ethniki1st9th
2000/01Alpha Ethniki1st15thRelegated
2001/02Beta Ethniki2nd11th
2002/03Beta Ethniki2nd7th
2003/04Football League2nd9th
2004/05Football League2nd8th
2005/06Football League2nd8th
2006/07Football League2nd10th
2007/08Football League2nd11th
2008/09Football League2nd9th
2009/10Football League2nd17thRelegated to amateur
2019/20Football League3rd13thRelegated
2020/21Football League3rd1stPromoted
2021/22Super League 22nd3rd
2022/23Super League 22nd6th
2023/24Super League 22nd4th
2024/25Super League 22nd2nd
Data reflects placements in Greece's professional pyramid, with gaps indicating regional or non-professional participation; the club has appeared in the top division seven times total.

Statistical records and milestones

Kalamata F.C. has participated in Greece's top-flight Alpha Ethniki (now ) seven times, with its highest league finish of 9th place achieved in the 1999–2000 season. The club was promoted to the first division in 1994–95 and 1998–99, following strong second-tier performances, but suffered relegations in 1974–75 (17th), 1997–98 (17th), and 2000–01 (15th). In the second tier, Kalamata recorded a runner-up finish in the 2024–25 Super League 2 season, positioning it for potential promotion contention. The club secured promotion from the third-tier Football League by winning the division in the 2020–21 season, marking a significant milestone in its post-relegation recovery. Earlier participations in the first division included 11th place in 1996–97 and 14th in 1995–96, reflecting periods of competitive stability before successive relegations. In terms of individual player records, the most appearances for Kalamata stand at 192 matches, held by a retired Greek defender born in 1975. The all-time leading goalscorer is a retired Serbian striker born in 1979, with 35 goals across 88 matches. Other notable record-holders include Christos Kalantzis for high appearance totals and Aristidis Galanopoulos among long-serving players, underscoring the club's reliance on domestic talent in its historical lineup. Foreign players' contributions are highlighted by the Serbian scorer's tally and a Brazilian player's 88 appearances.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/startseite/verein/9
  2. https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/kalamata-fc/6345
  3. https://www.zakcret.gr/en/kalamata
  4. https://www.bloomingdalefc.com/ps-kalamata
  5. http://www.stadia.gr/kalamata/kalamata.html
  6. https://ps-seating.com/kalamata-f-c/
  7. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/erfolge/verein/9
  8. https://us.soccerway.com/team/kalamata/4vN7O8j0/
  9. https://footystats.org/clubs/ps-pae-kalamata-5191
  10. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2025/04/08/sport/sport-opinion/the-power-of-a-football-club-to-unite-a-town-and-its-diaspora/
  11. https://www.fckalamata.gr/istoria/
  12. https://nortenospatras.gr/?p=3575
  13. http://mayrhthiella.blogspot.com/2010/08/
  14. https://www.messinialive.gr/pethane-lykourgos-gaitanaros/
  15. https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=1644
  16. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/platzierungen/verein/9
  17. https://wiki.phantis.com/index.php/Kalamata_FC
  18. https://www.besoccer.com/team/kalamata-fc
  19. https://www.besoccer.com/competition/info/super_league_greece/1998
  20. https://www.hellenicaworld.com/Greece/Sport/en/KalamataFC.html
  21. https://www.national-football-teams.com/club/1058/1994_1/Ps_Kalamata.html
  22. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/kalamata-fc-2024-25-home-kit/314383/
  23. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/kalamata-fc-kits/
  24. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMh5-Z_xyHB/
  25. https://www.instagram.com/p/DM7KKtcIijZ/
  26. https://www.fckalamata.gr/chorigoi/
  27. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/stadion/verein/9
  28. https://www.fckalamata.gr/match-center/
  29. https://www.fckalamata.gr/proponitiko/
  30. https://www.fckalamata.gr/anoichti-proponisi-kai-diathesi-ton-eisitirion-diarkeias/
  31. https://www.fckalamata.gr/to-proponitiko-kentro-sta-paliampela-synechizei-na-anavathmizetai/
  32. http://forum.ultras-tifo.net/greek-groups-t33314.html
  33. https://www.facebook.com/p/Bulldogs-1991-Kalamata-Fans-Club-100066580967602/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/p/Kalamata-Hardcore-61570462067274/
  35. https://www.facebook.com/p/Kalamata-Pirates-Fans-5-100064933080382/
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40ad-tniXmA
  37. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Kalamata_FC
  38. https://www.transfermarkt.us/super-league-2/besucherzahlen/wettbewerb/GRS2
  39. https://sortitoutsi.net/football-manager-2023/team/1300567/kalamata
  40. https://www.worldfootball.net/attendance/gre-superleague-1997-1998/1/
  41. https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/11/27/greece/football-league/ps-pae-kalamata/messiniakos-fc/415825/
  42. https://www.fctables.com/h2h/kalamata/paniliakos/
  43. https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/kalamata-fc-ao-paniliakos-pirgou/tpbsVBc
  44. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/kader/verein/9
  45. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/mitarbeiter/verein/9
  46. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKB86H7oWue/
  47. https://www.transfermarkt.us/nikolaos-anastopoulos/profil/trainer/81336
  48. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/nikos-anastopoulos/
  49. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ps-kalamata/mitarbeiterhistorie/verein/9
  50. https://www.transfermarkt.us/bo-petersson/profil/trainer/4405
  51. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/3372-nikos-liberopoulos
  52. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/nikos-liberopoulos/2692
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.us/derek-boateng/leistungsdaten/spieler/18091
  54. https://www.ghanaweb.com/person/Derek-Owusu-Boateng-2689
  55. https://www.besoccer.com/player/k-frantzeskos-353337
  56. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/14372/Kostas_Frantzeskos.html
  57. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ps-kalamata/rekordspieler/verein/9
  58. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ps-kalamata/erfolge/verein/9
  59. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ps-kalamata/platzierungen/verein/9
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