AEK Athens extends football director Javier Ribalta's contract until summer 2029
The Super League champions have locked in their Catalan football director with a three-year extension, announced 10 July 2026, following a handshake deal with owner Marios Iliopoulos at the club's offices.
AEK Athens confirmed a new contract for football director Javier Ribalta that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029. The agreement was reached at the offices of the club's administrative leader, Marios Iliopoulos, where the two men shook hands and Ribalta agreed to remain in Nea Filadelfeia for at least three more years.
The move comes days after AEK also extended the contract of head coach Marko Nikolić, signalling a clear effort by ownership to retain the core figures behind the team's recent success. Iliopoulos made retaining both Nikolić and Ribalta a priority, viewing them as the main pillars of the club's sporting project.
A reward for a title-winning build
Ribalta joined AEK and quickly made his mark, bringing in quality players and securing deals at competitive prices. His work was instrumental in assembling the squad that captured another Super League championship last season. The new contract includes increased financial terms and bonuses tied to both competitive and broader objectives, underlining the club's satisfaction.
Iliopoulos described Ribalta as more than an executive.
You are now a proven member of the AEK family, so now you are truly our family.
The Catalan was not short of suitors. Sources note that he remains a well-recognised figure across the European football market and several clubs had shown interest in recruiting him. The prospect presented by Iliopoulos, the working environment, the ambition for even greater achievements, and the excellent collaboration with Nikolić proved decisive in keeping him at the club.
Stability across the organisation
AEK views administrative and on-field continuity as a prerequisite for meeting its goals in the coming seasons. Retaining Ribalta alongside the recent Nikolić renewal solidifies the structure that lifted the league trophy. The club believes that keeping the leadership team intact is the best way to build on last season's triumph.
When the deal was finalised, Ribalta spoke directly to the supporters.
The best is ahead of us.
The formal signing process remains to be completed, with Ribalta currently in the Netherlands with the AEK squad for the main phase of pre-season training. Once the schedule allows, the paperwork will be finalised.
