Shipowner George Vardinogiannis, the long-serving Panathinaikos president known as the “Captain”, has died at the age of 90, his family announced on Friday 16 October.
George Vardinogiannis died in an Athens hospital after a short stay, according to reports on Friday. His family said the funeral service and burial would take place privately, within a close family circle.
“26 November 1936 – 16 October 2026. A life of daring, dignity, creation and devotion to his principles and to his people,” the family said in a biographical note.
George Vardinogiannis and the sea
Vardinogiannis was born in 1936 in Episkopi, Rethymno, on Crete. He was one of ten children of Giannis Vardinogiannis and Chrysi Theodoroulaki, and his family traced its roots to Sfakia and Rethymno.
Unlike several of his brothers, he chose a career at sea. He studied at a school for merchant navy officers in Southampton, England, and then went into shipping.
The nickname “Kapetanios”, or Captain, followed him throughout his public life. According to the well-known account, he earned it by breaking the embargo imposed on Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.
He also served two terms on the board of the Union of Greek Shipowners. His brother, Vardis Vardinoyannis, founder of the Motor Oil group, died in 2024. Greek City Times reported at the time on the death of shipping magnate Vardis Vardinoyannis.
Nearly 21 years at Panathinaikos
On 17 July 1979, the Vardinogiannis family acquired the majority stake in Panathinaikos FC, and George Vardinogiannis became club president.
He held the post until 29 May 2000. His nephew, Giannis Vardinogiannis, son of his brother Vardis, succeeded him.
During his presidency, Panathinaikos won six Greek championships, nine Greek Cups and three Super Cups.
The club also reached two semi-finals of Europe’s top club competition. In 1984-85, Liverpool knocked Panathinaikos out of the European Cup semi-finals, and in 1995-96 Ajax beat the Greens in the Champions League last four.
Players such as Dimitris Saravakos, Juan Ramon Rocha, Velimir Zajec, Stratos Apostolakis, Juan Jose Borrelli and Krzysztof Warzycha wore the green shirt in his era, while Jacek Gmoch and Ivica Osim coached the team.
His relationship with supporters went through different phases. Success brought periods of wide acclaim, while some of his decisions drew strong criticism.
Source: Npress
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