Greek sports journalism is mourning the loss of Stavros Petrakopoulos a leading figure in football statistics who has died at age 81.
Born in Thessaloniki in 1944 he developed a passion for statistics early in life nurturing an interest that later defined his entire professional path.
His career in journalism spanned decades as he worked at ERT3 and contributed to newspapers including Thessaloniki and Aggelioforos.
A vast personal archive of sports statistics became one of his trademarks showcasing a commitment to detail that made him stand out in the field.
Listeners also remembered him for his unique voice which accompanied numerous sports broadcasts over the years.
The Journalists Union of Macedonia Thrace ESIEM TH praised his pioneering approach noting that he introduced an innovative statistical recording system in 1971.
Colleagues recognized his exceptional memory and ability to instantly recall detailed information from his meticulously maintained notebooks earning him respect across both journalism and football circles.
His funeral will take place on Monday January 5 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Saranta Ekklisies.
