Former Greek international defender Marios Oikonomou has tragically passed away at the age of 33, nine days after suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in northwestern Greece.
Oikonomou had been placed in an induced coma following the crash on May 23 near Hatzikosta Hospital in Ioannina. Despite undergoing emergency surgery and receiving specialist medical treatment, reports from Greece indicate that the brain injuries sustained in the accident proved irreversible.
🔴🇬🇷 BREAKING NEWS – Greek international centre-back Marios Oikonomou (33 years old) has died following a motorcycle accident on May 23. He had played for Cagliari, Bologna, AEK Athens and Copenhagen. pic.twitter.com/FIKDB0Vjag
— Media Express (@media_express_) June 1, 2026
The defender began his professional career with Greek club PAS Giannina, where he quickly established himself as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects before earning a move abroad.
Following a spell with Cagliari, Oikonomou enjoyed some of the best years of his career at Bologna, making 74 appearances and scoring four goals for the Italian club. His performances in Serie A earned him international recognition, and he went on to represent the Greece national team on six occasions.
The centre back later returned to his homeland with AEK Athens before enjoying spells with Copenhagen and Sampdoria. He eventually retired from professional football in 2023.
PAS Giannina paid an emotional tribute to their former player following the news of his passing.
“Today, the PAS Giannina family is mourning. Marios Oikonomou, a child who earned the love and respect of all of us, left us prematurely. We spent moments of joy, effort and struggle together. Always with a smile, always with kindness.”
The club also extended its condolences to the Oikonomou family, adding that his memory would remain alive within the club forever.
The news has sent shockwaves through Greek football, with supporters, former teammates, and clubs paying tribute to a player remembered not only for his qualities on the pitch but also for his character away from it.
