Cypriot football is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Panicos Krystallis, who passed away at the age of 87. Revered as a trailblazer and one of the sport’s most influential pioneers in Cyprus, Krystallis left an indelible mark both on and off the pitch. A Career That Defined an Era Krystallis was a gifted attacking midfielder whose career spanned two decades and took him across three major clubs: AEL Limassol, Apollon Limassol, and AEK Athens. His football journey began at the tender age of 13, when he joined AEL under the guidance of coach Argyris Gavalas. By 16, he had already broken into the first team, scoring twice in his debut against APOEL. Following internal upheaval at AEL in 1956, Krystallis moved to Apollon Limassol—then a second-division side—where he played a vital role in their rise, winning two domestic cups and establishing the club as a competitive force. In 1961, he made a major leap in his career, signing with Greek giants AEK Athens. During his three-year stint in Athens, he captured the Greek league title in 1963 and drew interest from English club Bolton Wanderers, although a transfer never materialised. Krystallis returned to Cyprus in 1964 for a second spell with Apollon, reportedly at the request of then Foreign Minister Spyros Kyprianou, a founding member of the club, who wanted to boost the team’s fortunes. His return paid off, as Apollon lifted the Cypriot Cup in both 1966 and 1967. He was later named Cyprus Footballer of the Year. In 1970, after a controversial departure from Apollon due to a disagreement with the coaching staff, he rejoined AEL. There, he took on the dual role of player and coach before hanging up his boots in 1974. He continued managing the team until 1976 and formally retired from football in 1981. Honors and National Service Krystallis enjoyed a decorated career, winning league titles with AEL and AEK Athens and domestic cups with Apollon. In the 1960–61 season, he finished as the top scorer in the Cypriot First Division with 26 goals. He also earned 19 caps for the Cyprus national team between 1960 and 1970, scoring twice. Known for his elegant touch, powerful shots, and aerial prowess, Krystallis was widely praised for his technical mastery and creativity. He was often described as a player who could “make the ball talk.” From the Pitch to the Canvas In his later years, Krystallis reinvented himself as a painter. A self-taught artist, he channelled his creativity into capturing the natural beauty of Cyprus—depicting olive trees, chapels, and floral landscapes with striking detail and sensitivity. In 2019, he held his first art exhibition at the Curium Palace Hotel in Limassol under the auspices of the Minister of Education and the Mayor of Limassol. Proceeds from the event were donated to charity. Reflecting on his new passion, Krystallis famously said, “Once I used to paint with my feet—now I paint with my hands.” A Life Remembered Born in the mountain village of Amiantos in 1938, Krystallis overcame personal hardship from a young age. Raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs, he spent part of his childhood in foster care. In a tribute to his mother’s resilience, he later changed his surname to Krystallis—a derivative of her name, Chrysatalla. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and transformation. From a young boy playing barefoot in the streets to a football icon and later a celebrated amateur artist, Panicos Krystallis embodied the spirit of Cyprus. His legacy lives on—not just in record books and highlight reels, but in the hearts of those who witnessed his genius and the brushstrokes of a man who never stopped creating. Post navigation CYPRUS BATTLE BACK FOR DRAW IN BULGARIA