Top 10 chants in Greek football

Greek ultras are famous around the world for their passionate support.

Atmospheres at games are electric to say the least, as fans act as the 12th man for their team.

Here are my top 10 chants in Greek football along with YouTube videos of them belted out in their full glory.

10. AEK – RE BIN LADEN

This cheeky party starter aimed at Olympiacos from AEK’s Original 21 makes it as No. 10.

As you can see below, every single fan is jumping and singing along with purpose, making for a great atmosphere.

9. PAOK – IRTHAME SKASTOI APO TIN KLINIKI

Gate 4 of PAOK are notoriously known for creating an intimidating atmosphere wherever they go.

This particular chant gets extra points for its climax ending when the fans rise from the ground as one, jumping all over the place.

The lyrics themselves are wryly funny and sum up the passion of Greek football fans in general, as it says they “came from the clinic without doctors knowing” and were brainwashed from young kids.

8. AEK – DEN THELO TZAKI

Original 21 of AEK make the list again with this chant which again aptly highlights the crazy passion of Greek ultras.

AEK fans do not need a fireplace or heater to watch their team in the cold and would travel across Greece, with lyrics referencing Patras, Larisa, Crete and Thessaloniki. It’s also catchy and has a great beat.

7. PAOK – XILIOMETRA KANAME PALI

Keeping with the theme of travelling anywhere and everywhere for their team, this chant from Gate 4 translates to “we travelled kilometres again”.

The chant also refers to PAOK as a “kapsoura” which has no direct English translation, but if you are Greek you understand… It depicts PAOK as an obsessive feeling or burning desire.

In summary, it means PAOK fans will stay loyal no matter the result.

6. PANATHINAIKOS – SE GNORISA APO PAIDI MIKRO

Gate 13 of Panathinaikos is the oldest active supporter group in Greek football and arguably the most well known around the world. The chant translates to “I met you from a young age”, and basically means that Gate 13 members were brainwashed as young boys into supporting the Trifylli.

The constant overhead clapping and jumping makes this chant even better.

5. PAOK – OOO PAOKARA EXO TRELA

Without a doubt the most well-known PAOK chant, it claims PAOK fans would follow their team anywhere they played, and they live and die for them. The clapping is an added bonus.

4. OLYMPIACOS – EISAI STO MIALO, KATI MAGIKO

The most iconic Olympiacos chant will be heard wherever the Reds play. The chant means “you are in my brain, something magical”, thus illustrating how seriously Greek ultras feel about their teams.

It is slow and easy to understand, meaning every fan can get involved, and Gate 7 always ensures it is belted out with pride. It has also been copied by other fan bases worldwide.

3. IRAKLIS – ZALIZOMAI

The Thessaloniki-based club has seen better days and is currently in Greece’s second tier due to suffering extreme financial problems, but Gate 10 can lay claim to one of the best chants in Greek football.

Zalizomai means “I am dizzy” and that is sure what happens when you bust this catchy chant with conviction. The hand actions and jumping make it even better.

2. ARIS – OOO POUSTARADES

‘The God of War’ has returned to the top flight and it is fair to say Super 3 had been missed. The group has delivered some amazing atmospheres in Europe over the years, particularly in away games.

Here is their best chant that always pumps up players and fans alike.

1. PANATHINAIKOS – XORTO MAGIKO

By far the most iconic chant in Greek football belongs to Gate 13. It has been copied by many ultras groups worldwide such as in North America, Australia and South America.

“Magic grass” has the whole package in terms of chants as it involves clapping, a waving of the hands and even dividing the Gate
in half. Below is the link to my No. 1.

BONUS: OFI – ANAPSAME FOTIA KAI MEGALONI

A list on Greek football chants wouldn’t be complete without one of OFI’s best anthems.

“We lit a fire and it’s growing, the island burns from end to end…”

Greek football might have its issues, but seeing these top 10 chants gives us hope that if they can sort out the off-field problems, the passionate fans are there and ready.