Stavros Sarafis


Stavros Sarafis was a Greek international footballer who spent his entire career at PAOK, playing mainly as a midfielder and occasionally as a forward. A versatile midfielder and prolific goalscorer, he was mostly renowned for his excellent abilities in the air, being able to deliver powerful headers towards goal. Regarded as one of the club's most iconic figures, Sarafis is PAOK record top goalscorer. His nickname was "Ceasar" ''''.

Club career

Sarafis was born in Epanomi, on the outskirts of Thessaloniki in 1950 and at the age of 13 he began his football career with Anagennisi Epanomi, while when he turned 16, he was called up for a match with the Greek Youth National Team. In the summer of 1967, at the age of 17, he was transferred to PAOK, who fought with city rivals Aris for his acquisition. He made his PAOK debut in the league match against Egaleo and in the 72nd minute, he scored his first goal and paved the way for the 2–0 victory. Sarafis spent his entire football career at the Double-headed eagle of the North and wore the No 8 white-black jersey for 14 years, retiring in 1981. In the summer of 1976, when his contract was expiring, AEK Athens president Loukas Barlos offered him 5 million drachmas to join the Double-headed eagle of the South, however Sarafis turned down the offer and decided to stay at his beloved PAOK despite the fact that he was informed by PAOK president Giorgos Pantelakis that the club could afford to offer him only 1 million drachmas. Sarafis was a prolific goalscorer with an incredible heading ability, netting 136 goals in 358 league matches with PAOK. He also scored 26 goals in the Greek Cup and 7 in UEFA competitions, for 169 goals in total. His partnership with Giorgos Koudas was one of the most prominent midfield duos in Greek football during the 1970s, winning one league title and two Cups. After retiring, he continued serving the club from various positions, including caretaker and assistant manager.

International career

Sarafis had 32 caps for the Greece national team between 1969 and 1977, scoring 7 goals.

Death

On 17 September 2022, Sarafis suffered a stroke and he was admitted to the AHEPA Hospital. He died on 13 October 2022, at the age of 72. Upon the news of his death, the Toumba Stadium's flags were at half-mast as a sign of mourning.

Career statistics

International career

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus1–11–3Friendly
2Nikos Goumas Stadium, Athens1–02–2Friendly
3Stadionul Național, Bucharest1–11–3Balkan Cup
4Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus2–13–1Friendly
5Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus1–02–1UEFA Euro 1976 qualifying
6Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Thessaloniki1–11–1Balkan Cup
7Stadio Comunale, Florence2–22–3Friendly

Honours

PAOK
Individual
  • PAOK record top goalscorer: 169 goals
  • PAOK record league top goalscorer: 136 goals