İskeçe honors Antonis Antoniadis and his enduring friendship with Mimis Domazos
The city of İskeçe paid tribute to former Greek international footballer Antonis Antoniadis and his decades-long friendship with legendary Greek footballer Mimis Domazos during a special book presentation held as part of the city’s Old Town Festival.
The event took place on Saturday evening at the packed Old Town Hall of İskeçe, where author Kostas Bliatkas presented his book, The General and the Gunner – The Short One and the Tall One – The Great Friendship of Mimis Domazos and Antonis Antoniadis.
Antoniadis attended the event himself, surrounded by relatives, friends, supporters and young people pursuing football ambitions inspired by the career he built.
Former football figures and Karamanlis attend event
The presentation featured remarks from former Greek prime minister and well-known Panathinaikos supporter Kostas Karamanlis, former footballer and one of Antoniadis’ early teammates Rouli Papatsarouchas, former footballer Makis Tzatzos, and former Greek international Vasilis Torosidis.
The event was moderated by journalist Aris Gatas.
İskeçe Mayor Stratos Kontos delivered an emotional address, highlighting the personal friendship between Antoniadis and his grandfather, who was also named Stratos Kontos.
A message of thanks from the family of the late Mimis Domazos was also read during the event on behalf of his wife, Io, and daughter, Popi.
A 57-year friendship remembered
Speakers highlighted Antoniadis’ football journey, which began with Aspida and Petrochori in İskeçe, before eventually leading him to the highest levels of Greek football.
Particular emphasis was placed on his 57-year friendship with Mimis Domazos, as well as the values of integrity, respect and commitment that the two football legends represented throughout their careers.
The speakers also highlighted Antoniadis’ contribution to the establishment of the Panhellenic Association of Professional Footballers (PSAPP), an organization representing professional footballers in Greece.
Antoniadis returns to İskeçe after a decade
Visibly moved but in good spirits, Antoniadis returned to his hometown area after approximately 10 years away due to illness.
During the event, he recalled stories from his football career, focusing particularly on his early days at Panathinaikos and the beginning of his long friendship with Domazos.
His remarks were met with sustained applause from the audience, bringing an emotional conclusion to an evening celebrating both his football career and one of Greek football’s most enduring friendships.
