Olympiacos captain Papanikolaou signs two-year extension, staying at Piraeus until 2028
The Greek international forward, who has three EuroLeague titles with the club, will remain through 2028, Olympiacos announced on 10 July 2026. Both sides made mutual concessions to secure the deal, according to Greek reports.
Contract extension
Olympiacos BC announced on 10 July 2026 that captain Kostas Papanikolaou has signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the Piraeus club until 2028. Greek media outlet SKAI reported that the two sides reached the agreement after discussions conducted with respect and a common desire, making mutual concessions to secure a "closed" two-year deal. The move confirms the stability and philosophy of the club, which has built its modern success around homegrown leaders like Papanikolaou. The 35-year-old forward, affectionately called "captain-Pap" by fans, will continue as the on-court steward of Olympiacos.
A trophy-laden career
Papanikolaou has collected 18 domestic and international trophies with Olympiacos across more than a decade. His EuroLeague titles came in 2012, 2013 and most recently in 2026, when the club also captured the Greek League. He has won six Greek League championships overall (2012, 2016, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026), five Greek Cups (2010, 2011, 2022, 2023, 2024) and four Greek Super Cups (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). No other active Olympiacos player matches his medal count. His 2026 EuroLeague triumph, combined with the Greek League title that same season and a Super Cup in 2025, underlined his enduring value as captain.
- EuroLeague
- 3
- Greek League
- 6
- Greek Cup
- 5
- Greek Super Cup
- 4
The club's words
In its official release, Olympiacos BC framed the renewal as more than a contract. The statement emphasized that Papanikolaou's ethos, dedication and consistency make him a benchmark for every athlete who wears the red-and-white jersey. It also reflected on a shared journey through challenges and triumphs. The full statement read:
There are collaborations that go beyond the limits of a contract. Collaborations that are built over time, based on trust, mutual respect and a common desire for continuous development and new successes. Such is the partnership with Kostas Papanikolaou. With our captain we are united by much more than titles. Together we have lived unique moments and have won three EuroLeagues (2012, 2013, 2026), six Greek Championships (2012, 2016, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026), five Greek Cups (2010, 2011, 2022, 2023, 2024) and four Greek Super Cups (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). Above all, however, we share a common journey full of challenges, difficult moments, disappointments, faith, perseverance and unceasing effort. A journey that has led us to great successes and gives us the strength to continue to claim even more. Kostas Papanikolaou is not only our team captain. He is an athlete who with his ethos, dedication and consistent performance has left his own mark on the club and is a reference point for all who wear the Olympiacos jersey. The renewal of our cooperation is the natural continuation of a shared journey that has offered great moments to the club. With the same values and the same ambition, we continue together, with the aim of claiming even more successes!
What the extension means
Greek outlets SKAI and Naftemporiki described the move as the captain "staying at home" and labelled Papanikolaou as a "flag" for the club. The two-year commitment keeps a homegrown leader at the helm as Olympiacos aims to defend its domestic and European titles. Having been part of every major trophy run since 2010, Papanikolaou's presence provides continuity and a living link to the club's golden eras.
