After 15 years of dedication to the game, Nikolas Englezou has officially announced his retirement from professional football. Englezou leaves behind a career built not on glamour, but on substance, professionalism, and quiet leadership. His journey began at just 15 years old when he signed with AEK Athens. Three years later, he made his professional debut and soon featured in the Europa League group stage – a significant achievement for a young Cypriot player abroad. But instead of chasing the spotlight, Englezou returned to Cyprus and steadily built a respected domestic career. He went on to represent some of the country’s most recognised clubs, including Anorthosis, Nea Salamina, Aris Limassol, Doxa, and Karmiotissa. However, it was at AEK Larnaca that Englezou truly found his footballing home. He spent the majority of his career there, captained the side, and led them in one of their most historic European nights – a match against Premier League side West Ham United. In his farewell message, Englezou thanked those who supported him throughout his journey – coaches, teammates, clubs, fans – and emphasised that in every match, he gave 100%. He expressed special gratitude to his family and long-time agent, Panikos Poullis, and hinted at his desire to stay involved in football in a new capacity. True to his word, Englezou has already begun using his platform to speak out on issues that matter. He recently appeared on Alpha TV alongside PASP President Spyros Neofitides and former footballer Andrea Michael to discuss the disparities between men’s and women’s football in Cyprus, particularly at national team level. In a powerful statement, he questioned the sport’s current direction:“We must finally decide what we want. Do we want women’s football, or do we also want a women’s football that will be all foreign, like men’s football? For example, it is not possible for me, like Nikolas, to finish a game in the National Team and be able to exchange a shirt with a player from another national team as a souvenir — while in the women’s team, the player’s name isn’t even printed on the jersey.” He didn’t stop there, pointing out the lack of action on even the most basic improvements:“The differences are huge. We can’t hide. Things are clear.” It was a candid, passionate intervention – and exactly the kind of voice Cypriot football needs in its next chapter. As Englezou transitions out of playing, many hope to see him continue working within the game – particularly with the players’ union, PASP, where his values and experience would make him an ideal advocate for fairness, development, and representation. His playing days may be over, but Nikolas Englezou isn’t done with football. Not by a long shot. Post navigation Loizides Unopposed as CFA Presidency Race Ends Before It Began From Wall Street to the GSP