Olympiacos have secured the future of one of the most important figures in the modern history of the club, as captain Kostas Papanikolaou has officially signed a new two-year contract extension with the Greek powerhouse.
The veteran forward will continue wearing the red-and-white jersey after becoming synonymous with Olympiacos over the past decade, serving as one of the team’s biggest leaders both on and off the court.
Kostas Papanikolaou: A true Olympiacos legend
Papanikolaou is considered one of the greatest players in Olympiacos history, having spent a total of 14 years with the club across two different spells.
His first stint lasted from 2009 until 2013, before returning to Piraeus in 2016, where he has remained ever since.
During his time with Olympiacos, Papanikolaou has collected an incredible number of trophies, including three EuroLeague championships in 2012, 2013 and 2026.
He has also won the Greek League six times:
- 2012
- 2016
- 2022
- 2023
- 2025
- 2026
In addition, the Greek forward has lifted the Greek Cup five times:
- 2010
- 2011
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
and the Greek Super Cup four times:
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
Individually, Papanikolaou was recognized as one of Europe’s brightest young talents early in his career, winning the EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2013.
More than a captain. 🫡 More than a contract. ❤️🩶@K_pap16 will continue with Olympiacos BC for the next two years.#OlympiacosBC #WeAreOlympiacos #TogetherWeFIghthttps://t.co/rK53GQK9dN
— Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) July 10, 2026
From Barcelona and NBA experience back to Olympiacos
Although Olympiacos has always been the biggest part of his career, Papanikolaou also experienced basketball outside Greece.
Before becoming a club icon in Piraeus, he played for Aris during the 2008/09 season before joining Olympiacos.
After winning the EuroLeague title in 2013, he moved to Barcelona, where he spent the 2013/14 season, before making the jump to the NBA.
The Greek international played for the Houston Rockets during the 2014/15 season and later joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015/16 before returning to Olympiacos.
Reduced role during 2025/26 season
Despite his legendary status, Papanikolaou had a smaller role during the previous campaign as Olympiacos continued adding talent to the roster.
The 35-year-old appeared in 36 games, averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest.
However, his importance to the team extends far beyond statistics, with his leadership, experience and connection with the club remaining invaluable.
Olympiacos continue roster changes ahead of new season
Papanikolaou’s extension is another important move for Olympiacos as the club continues reshaping its roster after another successful season.
The Greek powerhouse has already experienced several departures this summer, with Moustapha Fall, Monte Morris, Keenan Evans, Shaquielle McKissic, Alec Peters, Frank Ntilikina and Kostas Antetokounmpo leaving the team.
The club also secured continuity on the sidelines by extending the contract of head coach Georgios Bartzokas, who remains one of the key figures behind Olympiacos’ success.
When it comes to new additions, Olympiacos have already strengthened their backcourt with the arrivals of Jean Montero and Codi Miller-McIntyre, two players expected to play major roles in the team’s ambitions next season.
With Papanikolaou remaining as captain, Olympiacos continue building a roster that combines experience, leadership and new talent as they aim to compete for another EuroLeague title. All Olympiacos roster moves can be followed on the EuroLeague Transactions tracker.
