June 10, 2018—a date forever etched in the minds and hearts of Panathinaikos supporters worldwide, as well as the broader Greek sporting community, marking the day Pavlos Giannakopoulos departed for the heavens.

Seven years have passed, and yet it feels like only yesterday.

It remains difficult to accept that “Mr. Pavlos,” as he was fondly called by the common fan, is no longer with us. Yet, we all feel his presence still—through the countless memories and the innumerable moments of joy and glory he gifted us.

The most iconic figure in the history of the Club began his involvement in the basketball section in 1987—a decision that would go on to change the course of the sport’s history in Greece, transforming Panathinaikos into the preeminent basketball team in Europe.

He was the one who brought world-class athletes to Greece—players whom no one had imagined witnessing live on Greek soil. He reshaped the country’s sporting landscape, establishing Greece as a global basketball hub.

That is why he was, is, and will forever remain the Patriarch of Panathinaikos.

Pavlos Giannakopoulos was born on August 20, 1929, and passed away on June 10, 2018, exactly 31 years to the day after becoming president of Panathinaikos Athletic Club (June 10, 1987), and 47 years after his first official involvement with the Club in 1971.

Together with his family, he transformed the history of the sport in Greece, and of course that of Panathinaikos Basketball. Under his leadership, the Club won the EuroLeague title six times and elevated the “shamrock” emblem to global fame—most notably with the Intercontinental Cup victory in 1996.

With his devoted wife Despina always by his side, and through immense hardships and countless hours of dedication to the Club, he lived to see his dream become a reality.

The six European trophies and the numerous domestic titles established Panathinaikos as the most successful team on the continent. The vision of Pavlos Giannakopoulos and his family was realized through tireless effort and immense personal sacrifice for the benefit of the Club.

He left behind a worthy successor to continue his work and uphold his ideals—his son, Dimitris, under whose leadership Panathinaikos captured its seventh European title on May 26, 2024 in Berlin.

Pavlos Giannakopoulos’s love for Panathinaikos began at an early age, but he officially joined the Club’s administration in 1971.

In 1976, he assumed the role of General Manager and First Vice President. That same year, he also served as General Secretary, always offering his support selflessly across all sports.

The year 1987 marked a turning point for Greek basketball and was a source of inspiration for all Greeks, as the national team’s triumph in EuroBasket ignited a passion for the sport in every household.

That was when Pavlos Giannakopoulos chose to take the reins of Panathinaikos Basketball. From the historic grounds of Leoforos and the legendary “Indian’s Tomb” (officially renamed “Pavlos Giannakopoulos Indoor Arena” on September 23, 2015), he began building a new legacy—one that would eventually lead to the summit of Europe.

From the very first day of his involvement, his thoughts were consumed with how to build a team that would make the Club’s name known across the globe. He had to compete with the era’s sporting powerhouses and later overcome many other challenges before reaching the top.

With determination, persistence, vision, foresight, and above all, his boundless love for Panathinaikos, Pavlos managed to bring some of the sport’s biggest names to Greece. Where can one even begin?

Many dreams were realized—others, like the potential signing of Dražen Petrović, remained unfulfilled, as fate intervened with the great “Mozart” in June 1993.

Legends of global basketball came to wear the Panathinaikos jersey, with the acquisition of Dominique Wilkins still considered the most significant transfer ever made in Europe.

On that day, the name “Panathinaikos” sent shockwaves around the world. It is telling that over 12,000 fans were present at the OAKA for Wilkins’s first training session.

Similarly, the signing of Nikos Galis, the Greek basketball legend, made front-page news across Europe in the summer of 1992.

Throughout his tenure, Pavlos Giannakopoulos saw many great names—both international stars and top Greek athletes—represent the Club, but he never treated Panathinaikos as a business.

It is no coincidence that every player who wore the shamrock badge bore immense respect and affection for Pavlos, who always acted first as a “father” and only then as a president or executive.

This philosophy laid the groundwork for the first major successes, which would ultimately give rise to a dynasty unparalleled in Greek sporting history.

A dynasty that became synonymous with the name Pavlos Giannakopoulos, inspired millions of Panathinaikos fans, and filled the hearts of all supporters with pride.