Mimis Papaioannou, a Greek legend, died at the age of 81.
Tributes have poured in for the former AEK Athens star, who is widely regarded as the club’s “greatest” player of all time.
AEK legend Mimis Papaioannou has sadly passed away today. He will not only be remembered for his contribution on the pitch but also he is the singer of the anthem heard at every home match.#Mimis #aekfamily pic.twitter.com/63yfTalieF
— Crazy AEK FAN (@CrazyAekfan) March 15, 2023
Papaioannou played for AEK from 1962 to 1979, appearing in 566 games and scoring 289 goals.
Five league titles and three domestic cups were won by the attacking midfielder.
He also assisted AEK in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in 1969 and the Uefa Cup semi-finals in 1977, where they defeated QPR in the final eight.
Papaioannou is AEK’s all-time leading scorer, and he also played 61 times for Greece, scoring 20 goals.
Tributes have poured in for the great, who has been remembered very fondly by fans.
One wrote: “A great loss for the AEK family. He will go down in history as the greatest footballer of all time in Greek football.”
Another added: “Condolences to the AEK organization. All Greek sports are mourning.
“His ethos and football wisdom make him unique. Your opponents loved him too. Have a nice trip Mimi, the soil that will cover you is light.”
A third said: “You are gone, you have flown to the skies, have a good journey, you will always be in the hearts of all Aektzis and Greek fans!
Another commented: “Eternal memory of this tremendous player….unlimited respect for the great man and athlete Mimi????”
