History Of AEK Athens F.C.

AEK Athens F.C. is one of the greatest and most historical association football clubs in Greece. They have a long, unique and idiosyncratic history and has experienced both the highs and lows of the game. They won their first championship in 1939 and has gone on to become one of Greece's most successful football teams.

Origins

The large Greek population of Constantinople, not unlike those of the other Ottoman urban centres, continued its athletic traditions in the form of numerous athletic clubs. Clubs such as Énosis Tataoúlon () and Iraklís () from the Tatavla district, Mégas Aléxandros () and Ermís () of Galata and Olympiás () of Therapia existed to promote the Hellenic athletic and cultural ideals. These were amongst a dozen Greek-backed clubs that dominated the sporting landscape of the city in the years preceding World War I. After the war, with the influx of mainly French and English soldiers to Constantinople, many of the city clubs participated in regular competition with teams formed by the foreign troops. Taxim, Pera and Tatavla became the scene of weekly competitions in not only football, but also athletics, cycling, boxing and tennis.

Of the clubs in the city, association football was dominated by Énosis Tataoúlon and The Greek Football Team. In 1914, The Greek Football Team was formed as the football department of Ermís, a sports club established in 1875 by the Greek community of Pera (Galata). Known as "Pera" since the mid-1880s, it was forced to change its name to " Pera Sports Club" and then "Beyoğluspor Kulübü" in 1923. Many of its athletes and those of most other Greek sporting clubs, fled during the Greek genocide and the population exchanges at the end of the Greco-Turkish War and settled in Athens and Thessaloniki.

The early years (1924–1959)

Formation and first steps (1924–1929)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Athens Championship: 3 (1925, 1927, 1929)''

In 1924, the founders of AEK – a group of Constantinopolitan refugees (among them former athletes from the Pera Sports Club and the other Constantinopolitan clubs) – met at the athletic shop "Lux" of Emilios Ionas and Konstantinos Dimopoulos on Veranzerou Street, in the center of Athens and created AEK. Their intention was to create a club that provided athletic and cultural diversions for the thousands of predominantly Constantinopolitan and Anatolian refugees who had settled in the new suburbs of Athens (including Nea Filadelfeia, Nea Ionia, Nea Chalkidona, Nea Smyrni).

AEK's first game was a 1–1 friendly draw against Atromitos in October 1924. Their first official match was a 4–2 win against Goudi on 14 December 1924.

AEK's football team grew rapidly in popularity during the 1920s, eclipsing the already-established Athens-based refugee clubs (Panionios, Apollon Smyrnis), thanks mainly to the large pool of immigrants that were drawn to the club and due, in no small part, to the political connections and wealth of several of the club's board members. Not possessing a football ground, AEK played most of their early matches at various locations around Athens, including the grounds of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Leoforos Alexandras Stadium.

AEK's first president, Konstantinos Spanoudis (1871–1941), a journalist and associate of the then Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, petitioned the government to set aside land for the establishment of a sports ground. In 1926, land in Nea Filadelfeia that was originally set aside for refugee housing was donated as a training ground for the refugees. AEK began using the ground for training (albeit unofficially) and by 1930 the property was signed over to the club.

In 1927 Panathinaikos F.C., Panathinaikos, Olympiacos F.C., Olympiacos and AEK decided to break away from the Athens regional league after a dispute with the fledgling Hellenic Football Federation (EPO). They formed an alliance called P.O.K. (acronym for Podosfairikes Omades Kentrou or Panathinaikos Olympiacos Konstantinoupolis) and started organising friendly matches against each other and several continental European clubs. This also marked the start of the so-called Easter Cup. In 1928, though, the dispute ended and AEK, along with the other P.O.K. clubs, entered the HFF fold once again.

In 1928, Venizelos approved the plans to build what was to become the club's home ground for the next 70 years, the Nikos Goumas Stadium, AEK Stadium.

Moving to home ground and first successes (1929–1940)

''Honours Won: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 2 (1931–32 Greek Football Cup, 1931–32, 1938–39 Greek Football Cup, 1938–39), P.O.K.#Easter Cup, Easter Cup: 1 (1938), Panhellenic Championship: 2 (1938–39 Panhellenic Championship, 1938–39, 1939–40 Panhellenic Championship, 1939–40), Athens Championship: 1 (1940)''

''Runner-up: Athens Championship: 5 (1930, 1931, 1937, 1938, 1939)''

In 1930, the AEK Stadium was completed. The area where the stadium was located had been previously used as the training ground of the club. The first home game, in November 1930, was an exhibition match against Olympiacos that ended in a 2–2 draw.

In 1932, AEK won the inaugural Greek Cup, beating Aris Thessaloniki F.C., Aris 5–3 in the final. The goals for AEK were scored by Ilias Iliaskos, Nikos Baltas (twice), Oikonomou (O.G.) and Kostas Negrepontis, a veteran of the original Pera Club of Constantinople. This was also the first ever title won by the club.

In 1933, former star striker, Kostas Negrepontis took over the managerial guidance of AEK. He managed to build a formidable team which was led by Kleanthis Maropoulos and Tryfon Tzanetis, the best pair of forwards at the time and one of the best in Greek football's history. Other important players included Christos Ribas, Michalis Delavinias, Georgios Magiras and Spyros Sklavounos.

The club's success during the late 1930s was highlighted by the Panhellenic Championships in 1939 and 1940. The 2–1 win in the 1939 Cup final, goals by Alekos Chatzistavridis and Vasilios Manettas, marked the first ever double (domestic Championship and Cup) in the history of Greek football.

During World War II (1940–1945)

''Honours Won: P.O.K.#Christmas Cup, Christmas Cup: 1 (1943) P.O.K.#Easter Cup, Easter Cup: 1 (1944)''

''Runner-up: —''

The 1940–41 Panhellenic Championship was interrupted due to the Greco-Italian War. After the Battle of Greece (1941) and during the Axis occupation of Greece sporting events were scarce.

During the Greco-Italian War in a battle at Pogradec, AEK player Kostas Valvanis was badly injured by a Mortar (weapon), mortar bomb that exploded in front of him. Alekos Chatzistavridis seriously injured his leg during a battle in Tepelenë.

During the spring of 1942 Panathinaikos and AEK were to give a friendly match to raise money for a hospital but were asked to give part of the revenue to the occupation forces. Anastasios Kritikos (footballer, born 1914), Anastasios Kritikos and Kleanthis Maropoulos, who served as captains of the two clubs, refused and the 15,000 spectators turned into one of the largest protests of the time. The game became known as the ''"Resistance Derby"''.

In June 1944 AEK player Spyros Kontoulis was killed by the Nazi Germany, Nazi forces during his attempt to escape while being transported to Kaisariani in order to be executed for being part of the resistance.

The 1942–43 Panhellenic Championship was an attempt to restart sporting activity but was not completed.

The Post-World War II years (1945–1952)

''Honours Won: Athens Championship: 3 (1946, 1947, 1950), P.O.K.#Christmas Cup, Christmas Cup: 1 (1947), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 2 (1948–49 Greek Football Cup, 1949, 1949–50 Greek Football Cup, 1950)''

''Runner-up: Panhellenic Championship: 1 (1945–46 Panhellenic Championship, 1946), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1947–48 Greek Football Cup, 1948), Athens Championship: 2 (1951, 1952)''

With English coach Jack Beby at the wheel, veteran players such as Maropoulos, Tzanetis, Delavinias and Magiras, along with new generation players such as Kostas Poulis, Youlielmos Arvanitis, Goulios and Pavlos Emmanouilidis, AEK won the Cup of 1949 and 1950, beating Panathinaikos by 2–1 and Aris by 4–0.

AEK won also the Athens regional championship of 1950, but the play–off games for the Panhellenic Championship were not played, due to many players being called up for a prolonged training camp for the national team.

A new generation of stars (1952–1959)

''Honours Won: P.O.K.#Christmas Cup, Christmas Cup: 1 (1957), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1955–56 Greek Football Cup, 1956), P.O.K.#Easter Cup, Easter Cup: 2 (1955, 1958)''

''Runner-up: Panhellenic Championship: 2 (1957–58 Panhellenic Championship, 1958, 1958–59 Panhellenic Championship, 1959), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1952–53 Greek Football Cup, 1953), Athens Championship: 2 (1954, 1958)''

The early 1950s saw the addition of the next generation of star footballers in Giannis Kanakis, Andreas Stamatiadis and Stelios Serafidis and along with Poulis and Emmanouilidis.

In 1955, AEK signed Kostas Nestoridis, a player who would become the greatest forward of his era. His former team Panionios did not consent with the transfer, so Nestoridis was forced to sit out for two seasons, due to the restraining law which applied at the time. In his first season at the club Nestoridis showing his class, finished as the top scorer of the league.

AEK won the Cup of 1956, this time beating Olympiacos by 2–1 in the final.

The early Alpha Ethniki years (1959–1974)

The Lukas Aurednik Era (1959–1961)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1959–60 Alpha Ethniki, 1960)''

1959–60 season

In the first season of the newly formed Alpha Ethniki, AEK under Lukas Aurednik, were strengthened with Giannis Marditsis and Alekos Sofianidis, while Kostas Poulis left after 11 years. In the first matchday on 25 October, Giannis Kanakis became the scorer of the first goal of the institution in the 3rd minute against Ethnikos Piraeus F.C., Ethnikos Piraeus. The end of the championship found AEK and Panathinaikos tied at the top and thus the champion was to be determined by a play-off match. In the match that took place on 31 July, despite taking the lead, AEK eventually lost, as the "greens" overturned the score and won by 2–1. Kostas Nestoridis won the top scorer award for the second consecutive time.

1960–61 season, Part I

AEK continued this season with Tryfon Tzanetis in the technical leadership, who was officially hired in January. However, Aurednik remained in the club alongside the former player Christos Ribas. Spyros Pomonis was promoted from the academies, while Giannis Kanakis retired after 12 years of service. A series of incidents with the referees prevented AEK from claiming the league and in combination with some bad results, led in Aurednik stepping down as the manager of the club.

The Tryfon Tzanetis Era, Part IV (1961–1962)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1960–61 season, Part II

The assumption of technical leadership by Tryfon Tzanetis for the fourth time did not change things up, as AEK finished at the fourth place. The roster was strengthened with the arrival of Stelios Skevofilakas. Kostas Nestoridis defended successfully his title as the top scorer of the league, for a third consecutive season.

1961–62 season

AEK carried out the transfer of Panikos Krystallis, while Pavlos Emmanouilidis left. In January, Nikos Goumas completed the constructions on the Nea Filadelfeia Stadium, which was modernized with the reconstruction of its stands and by acquiring turf. The high competition with other teams, who proved to be more consistent, did not allow them to finish higher than the fourth place for a second consecutive season. Kostas Nestoridis stood up again, claiming the top scorer award for a fourth consecutive time.

The Jenő Csaknády Era, Part I (1962–1963)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1962–63 Alpha Ethniki, 1963)''

''Runner-up: —''

1962–63 season

Nikos Goumas hired the Hungarian-German manager, Jenő Csaknady who brought a disciplined model, innovating training methods and new tactical systems. Mimis Papaioannou, Aleko Yordan, and the Syrian Ibrahim Mughrabi, the first foreign player to ever play for a Greek club, were among the arrivals. AEK finished at the top, tied with Panathinaikos and a championship play-off was set. Panathinaikos initially took the lead, the yellow-blacks made it 3–1, but the greens responded making the final 3–3. Thus, by the regulation of the time AEK won the title due to a better a goal ratio. As AEK won their first post-war league, Nestoridis emerged as the league's top scorer for the fifth time and the last of his career with 23 goals, making a record of consecutive wins of the award.

The Heinrich Müller Era (1963–1964)

''Honours Won: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1963–64 Greek Football Cup, 1964)''

''Runner-up: —''

1963–64 season

In 1963, the management removed Csaknády and Heinrich Müller (footballer, born 1909), Heinrich Müller was hired. Ibrahim Mughrabi and Panikos Krystallis departed and returned to their homelands. Kostas Papageorgiou (footballer, born 1941), Kostas Papageorgiou and Giorgos Karafeskos were among the additions. AEK played for the first time in their history in the UEFA competitions, for the preliminary round of the UEFA Champions League, European Cup, where they were eliminated by AS Monaco FC, Monaco. AEK ended up finishing third, but they won the Cup, even though the final did not take place, since the other semi-finalists, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos were disqualified due to serious incidents of their fans in the semi-final at Leoforos Alexandras Stadium. After five consecutive wins of Kostas Nestoridis, the league's top scorer was Mimis Papaioannou, who with 29 goals kept the award within the club. In the end of the season Müller left the club due to financial differences with the renewal of his contract.

The Mirko Kokotović Era (1964–1965)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1964–65 Alpha Ethniki, 1965)''

1964–65 season

In the summer of 1964 Mirko Kokotović was hired. AEK proceeded in the transfers of Fotis Balopoulos, Giorgos Kefalidis, Lakis Fragoudakis and the Turkinsh legend of Greek descent, Lefter Küçükandonyadis. The departure of Giannis Marditsis stood out among others. AEK played for the first time in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Cup Winners' Cup against GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb. Despite their elimination of the tournament, they managed to achieve their first European victory in the first leg. AEK claimed the league title until the final matchday, but eventually finished second. Kokotović was released after the end of the season.

The Tryfon Tzanetis Era, Part V (1965–1966)

''Honours Won: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1965–66 Greek Football Cup, 1966)''

''Runner-up: —''

1965–66 season

In the summer of 1965, Tryfon Tzanetis in his fifth and final spell in the club, strengthened the roster with the great transfers such as Tasos Vasiliou, Kostas Nikolaidis and Panagiotis Ventouris, while Nikos Stathopoulos was promoted from the academies. On the other side, Miltos Papapostolou and Lefter Küçükandonyadis retired. In a friendly match between AEK and Real Madrid C.F., Real Madrid, Mimis Papaioannou had an impressive performance and the Spaniards made a huge offer for his acquisition. The club's refusal resulted in his withdrawal from the club. Ηowever, shortly before the derby with Panathinaikos, AEK offered a new contract to Papaioannou, who returned to the team. In the away match against Panathinaikos, while the score was at 1–1, the referee awarded an off-side goal to the greens and as a result incidents occurred with the fans entering the pitch, which resulted in suspension of the match and its award to Panathinaikos. As a protest, AEK were absent in the next matchday, but with the fear of relegation they were forced to return to the championship, eventually finishing third. Papaioannou won the top scorer award for the second time in his career with 23 goals, succeeding Nestoridis in being the leader of the team. In the Cup, AEK qualified to the final against Olympiacos and the HFF set the match on 10 July, at the Karaiskakis Stadium, which brought reaction of Olympiacos, who announced their intention not to show up. Thus, on 7 July the HFF, unable to convince Olympiacos to change their mind, declared AEK as the Cup winners.

1966–67 season, Part I

After eleven seasons, the legendary Kostas Nestoridis left the club, as well as Giorgos Petridis. AEK started the season with the European Cup Winners' Cup, playing against S.C. Braga, Braga, but they were eliminated with two defeats. After an away draw against Panserraikos F.C., Panserraikos at the tenth matchday, alarmed the management, who took the decision to remove Tzanetis from the bench.

The Jenő Csaknády Era, Part II (1967–1968)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1967–68 Alpha Ethniki, 1968)''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1966–67 Alpha Ethniki, 1967), Balkans Cup: 1 (1966–67 Balkans Cup, 1967)'',

1966–67 season, Part II

Jenő Csaknády returned after three and a half years. While AEK were covering the distance for the title race, the government was overthrown and a Greek junta, military dictatorship was imposed on the country, resulting in the interruption of the championship. AEK were not affected by the interruption and continued in covering up the distance, but two draws in the final matchdays ended their chances of winning the championship, finishing second. They also competed in the Balkans Cup, finishing first in their group and qualified in the final against Fenerbahçe. In the first leg at Nea Filadelfeia, AEK won by 2–1, but in Istanbul, the Turks won by 1–0 and a third match was set at BJK İnönü Stadium, Mithat Paşa, which they lost with 3–1.

1967–68 season

AEK appeared capable of claiming the league, as they defeated Olympiacos with 1–4. Indeed, in the second round with a victory against the same opponent at home, they secured the title. Csaknády did not agree on staying in the club, becoming the only coach of AEK to win two championship titles in his two full seasons.

The Branko Stanković Era (1968–1973)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1970–71 Alpha Ethniki, 1971)''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1969–70 Alpha Ethniki, 1970)''

1968–69 season

A transitional year for AEK, with the hiring of Branko Stanković. Giorgos Lavaridis was promoted from the academies. Under the Yugoslav, the team's model was based on tactics, technique, physical strength and discipline. The inability of the players to quickly adapt to the new model, resulted in a bad start in the league, but in time the team started to increase their performance. On 27 October they defeated Olympiacos by 2–3 with Papaioannou playing as goalkeeper from the 85th minute, due to the suspension of Serafidis. AEK were consistently close in claiming the title, until the 22nd matchday when they were defeated at home by Olympiacos, which resulted in their downfall and their sixth-place finish. However, AEK made one of the most impressive European campaigns, eliminating Jeunesse Esch in first round and Akademisk Boldklub, AB in the second round and became the first Greek club to reach the quarter-finals of a European competition, where they were eliminated by FC Spartak Trnava, Spartak Trnava.

1969–70 season

Stanković proceeded in the renewal in the roster, he planned from the previous season. Stefanos Theodoridis was promoted to the first team, while Apostolos Toskas and Andreas Papaemmanouil were acquired. At the same time Alekos Sofianidis, Aleko Yordan, Andreas Stamatiadis and Kostas Papageorgiou departed. The conquest of the second place in the league was considered a success, considering the radical changes in the squad and the strength of Panathinaikos at the time. In the Cup, AEK were eliminated in the second round, by Panathinaikos at home, losing by 3–5 in the penalty shootout.

1970–71 season

Stanković completed the renewal of the roster, creating a well-worked team. Tasos Vasiliou, Fotis Balopoulos and Lakis Fragoudakis left the club. AEK began their competitive obligations with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, where they were eliminated in the first round by the newly formed FC Twente, Twente. Despite their elimination, AEK played spectacular football throughout the season and won the league, relatively early on in the season.

1971–72 season

The administrative disputes and the demands of the players that appeared within the club, resulted in the start of a declining period for AEK. However, that did not prevent AEK from presenting a competitive team. Lakis Nikolaou stood out among the transfers. AEK played in the European Cup and were eliminated from the first round by Inter Milan, Internazionale, but they achieved a historic win at Nea Filadelfeia, with 3–2 In the league they finished third, while in the cup they experienced a surprise elimination in the round of 16 by PAS Lamia 1964, Lamia.

1972–73 season, Part I

The declining course of AEK continued. Important players such as Petros Ravousis, Tasos Konstantinou, Lakis Stergioudas and Dionysis Tsamis were acquired. On the other hand, Stelios Serafidis retired after 19 years at the club, while Panagiotis Ventouris and Andreas Papaemmanouil also departed. In their first appearance in the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Cup AEK were eliminated in the second round by Liverpool F.C., Liverpool. In the Cup they faced again a surprise elimination by Apollon Kalamarias F.C., Apollon Kalamarias at the round of 16, which resulted in the removal of Stanković after five years at the club.

Overview

The Billy Bingham Era (1973)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1972–73 season, Part II

Billy Bingham was appointed as a replacement of Stanković. In a bad season for the club, the Irish coach did not succeed in making any significant contribution. In the end AEK finished fifth and Bingham was sacked after the season was over.

The Stan Anderson Era (1973–1974)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1973–74 season

As the combination of administrative changes and financial difficulties continued, the Stan Anderson was hired. Giorgos Sidiropoulos was acquired, while Stelios Konstantinidis, Kostas Nikolaidis and Spyros Pomonis left. In a disappointing season Anderson was sacked before the end of the season with the club closing the season with coach of the reserve team, Kostas Chatzimichail. AEK finished for the second consecutive year in the fifth place.

The Barlos ownership years (1974–1981)

The František Fadrhonc Era (1974–1977)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 2 (1974–75 Alpha Ethniki, 1975, 1975–76 Alpha Ethniki, 1976)''

1974–75 season

Huge administrative changes occurred within the club in the summer of 1974, as Loukas Barlos became the new president. He started to build a new team, by hiring František Fadrhonc as coach. The Czechoslovak brought a series of innovations to the club, while Barlos brought great players such as Christos Ardizoglou Georgios Dedes, Walter Wagner (footballer), Walter Wagner and Timo Zahnleiter. Among the departures, were those of Giorgos Karafeskos and Nikos Stathopoulos. The newly reformed AEK played impressive football from their first season, finishing second in the league, having the best attack and defense, while they reached the quarter-finals of the cup.

1975–76 season

AEK continued their ascending course with the main focus point for Barlos was the acquisition of Thomas Mavros from Panionios. The president of AEK approached and convinced Mavros to join the club, but they came across the obstacle of Panionios. A legal dispute began, with Mavros staying out the stadiums for a season. Giorgos Lavaridis was among the departures. Fadrhonc's work was becoming effective, creating a team that combined spectacle and results. AEK returned in the UEFA Cup, after two years of absence, reaching the second round, where they were eliminated by FK Inter Bratislava, Inter Bratislava. In the league, AEK despite being undefeated for 23 matches, some defeats during the end of the season, resulted in finishing at the second place for a second consecutive season. Georgios Dedes with 15 goals won the top scorer award.

1976–77 season

The team that Barlos envisioned with Fadrhonc was reaching its completion. As the legal dispute with Panionios ended and the transfer of Mavros was completed. Furthermore, they acquired Nikos Christidis, Takis Nikoloudis and Babis Intzoglou. Fadrhonc, considering the playing intelligence and high technical qualities of Mimis Papaioannou, decided to relocate him as an attacking midfielder, in order to fit all the attackers of the roster. In the UEFA Cup AEK eliminated FC Dynamo Moscow, Dynamo Moscow in the first round, Derby County F.C., Derby County in the second round, Red Star Belgrade in the third round and Queens Park Rangers F.C., QPR in the quarter-finals reaching the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Juventus FC, Juventus, becoming the first Greek club to reach that stage. The negative results that were occurred in matches that coincided near European games, resulted in AEK finishing fourth, at a distance of three points from the top.

1977–78 season, Part I

Barlos strengthened the roster with Milton Viera and Dušan Bajević, while Giorgos Sidiropoulos, Timo Zahnleiter, Walter Wagner and Georgios Dedes among others departed. The disagreements
between Barlos and Fadrhonc regarding the future of AEK showed up, which resulted in the removal of the Czechoslovak after an away defeat at the second matchday.

Overview

The Zlatko Čajkovski Era, Part I (1977–1978)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1977–78 Alpha Ethniki, 1978), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1977–78 Greek Football Cup, 1978)''

''Runner-up: —''

1977–78 season, Part II

Fadrhonc's assistant, Andreas Stamatiadis sat on the bench for the next two games and from there Zlatko Čajkovski took over. In the UEFA Cup, AEK after eliminating ASA Târgu Mureș (1962), ASA Târgu Mureș in the first round, were eliminated in the second round by Standard Liège. With the pairing of Bajević with Mavros in the offense, AEK played impressive football and they easily won the league with only 2 defeats. Thomas Mavros claimed the top scorer of the league award with 22 goals. In the Cup, AEK, eliminated AO Chania F.C., AO Chania in the first round, Panathinaikos in the second round, Panionios in the round of 16 and Panelefsiniakos F.C., Panelefsiniakos in the quarter-finals and cruised Olympiacos with a 6–1 in the semi-finals. In the final, AEK defeated PAOK by 2–0 and won the trophy, achieving the second domestic double in their history. Dušan Bajević emerged as the top scorer of the Cup with nine goals. Despite that being one of the most successful years in the history of the club, Čajkovski had already signed with FC Zürich, Zürich for the next eason.

The Ferenc Puskás Era (1978–1979)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1978–79 season, Part I

The additions that stood out were the promotions of Spyros Ikonomopoulos and Panagiotis Stylianopoulos, but most importantly the legend of Panathinaikos, Mimis Domazos. Barlos hired the legendary Ferenc Puskás as the coach of the team. In the championship, AEK started impressively and were ahead in the standings with Olympiacos being the only rival for the title. However, there were many official complaints from the opponents of Olympiacos for attempts of bribery by the red and whites. AEK in the European Cup against were drawn against FC Porto, Porto for the first round and they achieved their greatest victory in the European Cup, scattering the Portuguese champions with 6–1, while in the rematch AEK lost by 4–1. In the second round they faced Nottingham Forest F.C., Nottingham Forest, who eliminated them with two wins. Towards the end of the season, AEK presented a decline in their performance and Barlos removed Puskás from the bench.

The Andreas Stamatiadis Era (1979)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1978–79 Alpha Ethniki, 1979)''

''Runner-up: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1978–79 Greek Football Cup, 1979)''

1978–79 season, Part II

Puskás' assistant, Andreas Stamatiadis took charge for the rest of the season. The end of the championship found AEK and Olympiacos tied in the first place and a play-off match for the title was set. Since Olympiacos did not show up to the match, AEK were declared champion. In the Cup, AEK easily reached the final, where they faced Panionios and despite taking the lead early on, they lost the title with a 3–1 defeat. Thomas Mavros was declared the top scorer of the league with 31 goals and 40 in total, winning the European Golden Shoe, European Silver Shoe.

The Hermann Stessl Era (1979–1980)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1979–80 season, Part I

In 1979 football in Greece became professional with the chairman, Loukas Barlos becoming the first owner of AEK. His last great offer to AEK was the construction of the first two-story podium in a Greek stadium, the so-called "Skepasti" ''(The Covered)''. Transferwise, AEK mostly promoted players from their academies, such as Stelios Manolas, Lysandros Georgamlis and Vangelis Vlachos, while also acquiring Franjo Vladić. On the other hand, Apostolos Toskas, Milton Viera, and most importantly Mimis Papaioannou, left the club. In the position of the coach Hermann Stessl was hired. AEK were eliminated in the first round of the European Cup by FC Argeș Pitești, Argeș Pitești and after the incidents that followed in the locker room and the referees' room, AEK were punished with a one-year ban by UEFA. AEK did not start the championship well and were left behind in the standings, while in the Cup they were eliminated by PAOK at the round of 16. In the first winter transfer period in Greek football, AEK were weakened as Mimis Domazos Takis Nikoloudis and Dionysis Tsamis departed. A series of bad results brought the dismissal of Stessl from the bench.

The Miltos Papapostolou Era (1980–1981)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 1 (1980–81 Alpha Ethniki, 1981)''

1979–80 season, Part II

Miltos Papapostolou took over the bench. The team returned to the successful results and with the 25 goals of Bajević, who emerged as the league's top scorer, finished tied with Panathinaikos in the third place, two points from the top and a play-off match was set for the third place and a ticket to the UEFA Cup. With the exclusion of the yellow-blacks from the European competitions meant that no matter what the result of the game was, Panathinaikos would play in the UEFA Cup, but if AEK won would serve their sentence immediately. Even though from Panathinaikos' side seemed that they were against the conduction of the match, Barlos, demanded the match to be held and thus the match took place normally with AEK losing by 1–0, finishing 4th in the league.

1980–81 season

AEK were closing one of their most successful historical periods, since this season was the last year of Barlos' ownership. AEK acquired Michalis Tzirakis, Kostas Eleftherakis and Manolis Kottis among others, as well as Petros Karavitis from the winter. Babis Intzoglou and Tasos Konstantinou from the winter, were the most important departures. Since the club did not compete in the UEFA competitions, thus they competed in the Balkans Cup, where in the group stage, all three teams were on tied and Velež Mostar with a better goal ratio were qualified to the final. In the league, AEK finished in the second place, while in the Cup they were eliminated in the semi-finals by PAOK.

The post-Barlos sterile years (1981–1988)

The Hans Tilkowski Era (1981–1982)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1981–82 season, Part I

After the departure of Loukas Barlos the ownership of the club was taken over by Andreas Zafiropoulos. The new administration proceeded with the renewal of the roster with the addition of Takis Karagiozopoulos, Giannis Dintsikos, Dinos Ballis and Hristo Bonev. Dušan Bajević, Franjo Vladić and Kostas Eleftherakis left. Hans Tilkowski took over at the team's bench. AEK made one of the worst starts in their history and Tilkowski was fired midseason.

The Zlatko Čajkovski Era, Part II (1982–1983)

''Honours Won: –''

''Runner-up: —''

1981–82 season, Part II

Zlatko Čajkovski, returned at the bench after four years. AEK recovered competitively, but not to an extent of claiming the league. In the Cup, AEK faced PAOK at the round of 16 and were again eliminated. AEK eventually finished at fourth place in the league and managed to secure a spot in the European competitions, after two-year absence.

1982–83 season, Part I

In the summer of 1982, Zafiropoulos stepped out of the presidency, which was handed over to the shipowner Michalis Arkadis. Takis Nikoloudis returned to AEK and transfers of Christos Arvanitis and Angel Kolev took place. Hristo Bonev, Petros Karavitis and Giannis Mousouris and left the club, while Nikos Christidis and Lakis Nikolaou retired. AEK competed in the UEFA Cup, where they played against 1. FC Köln, Köln in the first round and were eliminated with two defeats. As season progressed, the relations of Čajkovski with some players and the management, caused controversy his face and after some bad results, he was fired.

The Helmut Senekowitsch Era, Part I (1983)

''Honours Won: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1982–83 Greek Football Cup, 1983)''

''Runner-up: —''

1982–83 season, Part II

After a brief spell by Kostas Nestoridis at the bench, Helmut Senekowitsch was hired. The team finished in the third place. AEK completed the season with the conquest of the Cup, by defeating PAOK by 2–0 at the Olympic Stadium in the final that was marked by crowd incidents.

The John Barnwell Era (1983)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1983–84 season, Part I

In the summer of 1983, AEK faced another administrative change in their presidency, as Michalis Arkadis departed and the Cypriot travel agency owner, Lefteris Panagidis stepped in and replaced him. The English coach John Barnwell was hired, while Pavlos Papaioannou was acquired among others. On the other hand, Michalis Tzirakis left the club. After a bad start and an elimination from the Cup Winners' Cup's the first round by Újpest FC, Újpest, Barnwell was fired.

The Helmut Senekowitsch Era, Part II (1983–1984)

''Honours Won: –''

''Runner-up: —''

1983–84 season, Part II

Helmut Senekowitsch returned at the team's bench. In December Takis Nikoloudis and Angel Kolev left the club. Senekowitsch did not manage to change the bad performances of the team and was also fired after months. With Kostas Nestoridis at the bench, AEK completed a bad season, where they eventually finished seventh at the league, while at the Cup were eliminated at the round of 16 by Athlitiki Enosi Larissa F.C., AEL.

The Václav Halama Era (1984)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1984–85 season, Part I

In the summer of 1984, Zafiropoulos returned to the club's presidency. Petros Ravousis and Lakis Stergioudas, left the club. AEK were strengthened with the Håkan Sandberg (footballer), Håkan Sandberg, František Štambachr, Nikos Pias, Theologis Papadopoulos and Makis Chatzis, while Václav Halama was their new coach. AEK did not start well, while in the Cup they experienced one of the most shameful eliminations in their history by Lamia. Before the middle of the season, Zafiropoulos removed Halama.

The Antonis Georgiadis Era (1984–1985)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1984–85 season, Part II

Antonis Georgiadis was hired as the new manager. In December, František Štambachr left the club, while Márton Esterházy arrived. Esterházy, alongside Mavros and Sandberg composed a magic attacking triplet. Eventually, AEK finished at third place in the league, tied with Panathinaikos and three points from the top. Thomas Mavros finished once more as the league's top scorer, with 27 goals.

The Jacek Gmoch Era (1985–1986)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1985–86 season

Antonis Georgiadis left the club and Jacek Gmoch was hired. Among the departures were Christos Ardizoglou and Christos Arvanitis. In the winter AEK signed Jim Patikas, while Vangelis Vlachos and Lysandros Georgamlis joined Panathinaikos. AEK had to move to the Olympic Stadium (Athens), Olympic Stadium due to construction works at AEK Stadium. AEK achieved an average league ticket record of 31,254 tickets per game. In the UEFA Cup, AEK were eliminated in the first round by Real Madrid, despite making a historic win 1–0 in Athens. In the league AEK started well, but their performances in the away matches resulted in many losses during the season. They finished at the third place, tied with Iraklis, seven points from the first place. On 19 April, the general manager of AEK, Giannis Chrysovitsianos, was arrested for attempted bribery to some players of Panserraikos and the league standings were not secured, until the case was finalized. Eventually, that happened in mid-June, with AEK being punished with the deduction of third points, from the next season's championship. Thus, the HFF decided to set a third place play-off match between AEK and Iraklis. Meanwhile, Jacek Gmoch left, with Nikos Christidis sitting on the bench for the game. Iraklis, not accepting the decision, showed up in order to make a parody of the match and by the 53rd minute were left with six players resulting in the of awarding the game to AEK, who secured a place in the next season's UEFA Cup.

The Ab Fafié Era (1986)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1986–87 season, Part I

The crowd reactions towards Zafiropoulos became more intense, while financial problems began to appear in the club. Nevertheless, AEK proceeded with the transfers of Giorgos Peppes and Lampros Georgiadis, while in the winter they were also strengthened with Rajko Janjanin. At the same time, Márton Esterházy and Dinos Ballis departed. Zafiropoulos hired Ab Fafié for the position of the coach. In the UEFA Cup, AEK faced Internazionale and were eliminated with two defeats. The elimination from the Cup at the hands of Panionios, combined with the bad results in the home matches, resulted in Fafié getting sacked in December.

The Nikos Alefantos Era (1986–1987)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1986–87 season, Part II

In a strange decision, Zafiropoulos hired Nikos Alefantos. AEK continued their instability in their performances and the fans were running out of patience. In a home game Alefantos subbed off Thomas Mavros, who had returned after an injury, with the crowd disapproving the substitution. In the press conference of the match, Alefantos spoke out against Mavros, considering him as a "finished" footballer. Those incidents led in the departure of Mavros, after 11 years in the club. Shortly after, the bad results brought Alefantos to the exit door, as well and AEK completed the season with Nikos Christidis. AEK did not compete in the last three games of the league, due to a strike declared by the Footballers' Union and were punished with a deduction of six points, finishing in the seventh place.

The Todor Veselinović Era (1987–1988)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Alpha Ethniki (1987–88 Alpha Ethniki, 1988)''

1987–88 season

AEK returned to Nea Filadelfeia Stadium. Håkan Sandberg departed, while Giorgos Savvidis, Henrik Nielsen (footballer, born 1965), Henrik Nielsen, Vasilios Vasilakos and Georgios Koutoulas arrived. Todor Veselinović was hired for the position of the coach. AEK were in the title race, with their only contenders being AEL. After the victory of AEL over Panathinaikos, their footballer, Georgi Tsingov, was tested positive in a dopping test and the case was transferred to the courts becoming known as the "Tsingov case". In the cup, AEK reached the round of 16, facing Olympiacos. After the away 1–1, a scandal broke out on the eve of the rematch, as the former player of AEK, Dinos Ballis visited the hotel where the team were located with a bouquet for Theologis Papadopoulos and created suspicions that he was trying to bribe him. Olympiacos the game won by 1–3, eliminating them from the cup and the story continued in courts. The Koskotas brothers of Olympiacos were accused of trying to bribe Papadopoulos and Vasilakos through Ballis, resulting in the punishment of only the latter for attempted bribery. In the "Tsingov case", AEL were initially punished with zeroing for the match, a 2-point deduction and punishment of the player, which brought AEK to the top of the table. AEL appealed with their fans rallied, resulting in the alteration of the regulation and the return of the points, which led in their eventual conquest of the championship. In the last game of the season at Nea Filadelfeia, the tension between the ultras of the club and Andreas Zafiropoulos peaked, when the riot police invaded the ultra's stand which resulted in heated encounters, that led in his withdrawal from the presidency. Henrik Nielsen with 21 goals finished the season as the league's top scorer.

Golden Years (1988–1997)

The Dušan Bajević Era, Part I (1988–1996)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 4 (1988–89 Alpha Ethniki, 1989, 1991–92 Alpha Ethniki, 1992, 1992–93 Alpha Ethniki, 1993, 1993–94 Alpha Ethniki, 1994), Greek Super Cup: 1 (1989), Greek League Cup: 1 (1990), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (1995–96 Greek Football Cup, 1996)''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece, Alpha Ethniki: 2 (1989–90 Alpha Ethniki, 1990, 1995–96 Alpha Ethniki, 1996), Greek Super Cup: 3 (1992, 1993, 1994), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 2 (1993–94 Greek Football Cup, 1994, 1994–95 Greek Football Cup, 1995)''

1988–89 season

Andreas Zafiropoulos handed over the presidency of AEK to Stratos Gidopoulos. Dušan Bajević returned after years, as their new coach. Gidopoulos, supported the Yugoslav to build a well-worked team with the transfers of Mirosław Okoński and Antonis Minou. After the last season's "Ballis-Papadopoulos" case, Theologis Papadopoulos and Vasilios Vasilakos were released, Rajko Janjanin retired, while Panagiotis Stylianopoulos left. Despite their good performances and having the best defense in the league, AEK seemed to be an outsider for winning the title. The team competed in the UEFA Cup, where they played against Athletic Bilbao and even though they won by 1–0 at home, they were eliminated with a 2–0 defeat in the rematch. In the cup, AEK were eliminated in the second round by Levadiakos F.C., Levadiakos. In December Frank Klopas, Stavros Stamatis and Toni Savevski arrived, while Henrik Nielsen departed. The most crucial match of the season was the away game against Olympiacos for the penultimate matchday, which was a decider for the title, where the defense of AEK stood up well and in a counterattack, Karagiozopoulos made the "1-2" with Okonski and scored the "golden" goal, which gave AEK the title victory with 0–1.

1989–90 season

Having won the last year's championship and with the addition of Daniel Batista Lima, Daniel Batista in their roster, AEK started the season with great optimism. Dimitris Pittas left the club and Giannis Dintsikos retired. AEK started well, by winning the Super Cup against Panathinaikos on penalties, while in the European Cup played against Dynamo Dresden where, despite the defeat in Germany by 1–0, with an excellent performance in the rematch, they prevailed with 5–3 and advanced to the second round. There, they faced Olympique de Marseille, Marseille and the first match in France, AEK lost 2–0, while in the rematch that ended 1–1 the French reported an attack on their bus, with UEFA eventually punishing AEK with one-year ban from all European competitions. In the cup, they were eliminated for a second consecutive season of shock-elimination in the round of 32, by Ionikos F.C., Ionikos. The team had the best defense in the league for a second consecutive year, but in the end they finished in the second place. AEK completed their competitive obligations with the conquest of the Greek League Cup, League Cup against Olympiacos, in an institution that took place only that season.

1990–91 season

AEK faced administrative problems and most of the season was part of the transitional period, as the ownership of Zafiropoulos was coming to its end. AEK maintained their core roster with their main addition being that of Vaios Karagiannis. The team did not compete in any European competition, due to the last season's ban. AEK finished 3rd, with the only positive element being the time credit that was given to Bajević, to re-build the team for the oncoming seasons. The problems that the club was facing during the season resulted in a temporary administration led by Kostas Generakis, who was chosen by the Court of First Instance.

1991–92 season

The new management of the club put the club's finances of in order and at the same time proceeded in the transfers of Refik Šabanadžović, Vasilis Dimitriadis and Alexis Alexandris, while Mirosław Okoński and Georgios Christodoulou departed. AEK Stadium was renamed to ''"Nikos Goumas Stadium"'', after the former president of the club, who had a significant contribution to its construction. In the UEFA Cup, they easily eliminated KF Vllaznia Shkodër, Vllaznia Shkodër in the first round and Spartak Moscow in the second round, while in the third round they faced Torino F.C., Torino and were eliminated. In the cup, AEK reached the semi-finals, facing PAOK and despite their 2–0 win, they were eliminated at extra time with a 3–0 defeat. In the end, they presented a solid substance in their game and won the title, with a difference of 3 points from the second. Top scorer of the league was Dimitriadis with 28 goals. After the season was over, Dimitris Melissanidis and Giannis Karras purchased the shares of Zafiropoulos, with the former taking over the presidency.

1992–93 season

In the summer of 1992, the new owners of the club, Melssanidis-Karras, started their tenure by helping the club recover financially and supporting Bajević. However, their term began with difficulties since Daniel Batista had already signed for Olympiacos, while Giorgos Savvidis also departed. On the other hand, they signed Zoran Slišković, Georgios Agorogiannis, Tasos Mitropoulos, and Ilias Atmatsidis, while in December Vasilios Tsiartas and Charis Kopitsis also arrived. In the first round of the newly-formed, UEFA Champions League, AEK eliminated APOEL FC, APOEL on away goals and in the second round they faced PSV Eindhoven and despite the 1–0 win at home, they were eliminated by losing 3–0 in the rematch. AEK won the title for the second consecutive season with a 1-point difference from Panathinaikos. Dimitriadis emerged again top scorer as the league's top with 33 goals, winning the European Silver Shoe.

1993–94 season

The administration in collaboration with the Bajević, decided to make a renewal in the roster, despite winning the championship of the previous season, with the older Antonis Minou, Christos Vasilopoulos, Takis Karagiozopoulos, Pavlos Papaioannou and Lampros Georgiadis leaving the club and the younger Vasilios Borbokis, Michalis Vlachos and Michalis Kasapis coming in. In the UEFA Champions League, AEK played against Monaco and were eliminated. In the cup, AEK reached the final of the against Panathinaikos, in one of the best finals, the match ended 3–3 after extra time and went to penalty shoot-out, where the greens won with 4–2. Eventually, AEK won the championship and with three successive championship wins, established themselves as one of the most successful periods in their history. Alexis Alexandris alongside Krzysztof Warzycha of Panathinaikos were the top scorers of the league with 24 goals.

1994–95 season

AEK decided to make a transfer excess in order to achieve a great course in the Champions League and signed Christos Kostis, Dimitris Saravakos, Temur Ketsbaia and Nikos Kostenoglou, while Dionysis Chiotis was promoted from the academies. Alexis Alexandris, Tasos Mitropoulos, Frank Klopas and Zoran Slišković departed from the club. The season did not start well for the team, as they were defeated in the Super Cup at the hands of Panathinakos. AEK became the first Greek club that participated in the newly formed group stage of the Champions League, after eliminating Rangers F.C., Rangers with wins at both legs. There, they were eliminated finishing third behind AFC Ajax, Ajax and AC Milan, Milan, who both made it to the final, but above FC Red Bull Salzburg, Casino Salzburg. AEK were not able to bear the weight of the consecutive games both in Greece and Europe and eventually finished 5th. In the cup they reached the final facing Panathinaikos for a second consecutive season. The match ended 0–0 and was led in extra time, where the greens won the trophy. The duo of Melissanidis-Karras sold their shares to the businessman, Michalis Trochanas.

1995–96 season

Τhe new major shareholder and president of the team, Trochanas in collaboration with Bajević, maintained the roster and strengthened it with the return of Daniel Batista and the transfer of Christos Maladenis. Among the departures were those of Georgios Agorogiannis in the summer and Stavros Stamatis in the winter. In the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, AEK after defeating FC Sion, Sion in the first round, they were eliminated by Borussia Mönchengladbach afterwards. AEK had a quality roster and played spectacular football, but finished second. During the season, the team lost much of their concentration, as Bajević was reported that would not renew his contract and had agreed to join Olympiacos. Vasilios Tsiartas emerged as the league's top scorer with 26 goals. In the cup, AEK, after qualifying as first in their group and eliminating both their rivals, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, reached the final against Apollon Athens and won the trophy with record victory with 7–1.

Overview

The Petros Ravousis Era (1996–1997)

''Honours Won: Greek Super Cup (1996), Greek Cup (1996–97 Greek Football Cup, 1997)''

''Runner-up: Alpha Ethniki (1996–97 Alpha Ethniki, 1997)''

1996–97 season

In the summer of 1996, Bajević left AEK after 8 years, joining Olympiacos and Trochanas anointed his assistant and former player of the club, Petros Ravousis, as his successor. At the same time, Vasilios Tsiartas was sold to Sevilla FC, Sevilla, the contract of Refik Šabanadžović was expired and followed Bajević to Olympiacos, Dimitris Saravakos left and Spyros Ikonomopoulos retired after 19 years at the club. On the other hand, AEK signed Demis Nikolaidis and Marcelo Veridiano among others. AEK played for the Super Cup against Panathinaikos and won at 9–8 at the penalty shoot-out. The team had the best attack in the league again, but finished in second place. In the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, AEK eliminated ŠK Futura Humenné, Chemlon Humenné in the first round, NK Olimpija Ljubljana (1945–2005), Olimpija Ljubljana in the second round and were eliminated in the third round by Paris Saint Germain F.C., Paris Saint Germain. In the cup, AEK advanced to the final for the fourth consecutive season against Panathinaikos, where after a goalless game AEK won with 5–3 on penalties and got the trophy.

ENIC ownership years (1997–2004)

The Dumitru Dumitriu Era (1997–1998)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1997–98 season

Trochanas no longer being support financially the club, was looking for a buyer, placing in the presidency the lawyer, Alexis Kougias. Dumitru Dumitriu was hired in the position of the coach. AEK lost 2 important players with Temur Ketsbaia and Vasilios Borbokis, while Giannis Kalitzakis, Arnar Grétarsson and Chrysostomos Michailidis were transferred to the club. The team started the championship well and eventually Trochanas sold his shares to the financially powerful, English multinational ENIC Group, ENIC. The former player of AEK, Lakis Nikolaou took over as president, contract renewals were made and in January they were strengthened with Georgios Donis and Kelvin Sebwe. In the Cup, AEK were eliminated in the round of 32 by Xanthi F.C., Skoda Xanthi. In the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup AEK eliminated Dinaburg FC, Dinaburg and SK Sturm Graz, Sturm Graz and were qualified to the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by FC Lokomotiv Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow. In the league AEK eventually finished third. Towards the end of the season, Dumitriu was fired and Antonis Minou took his place as an interim to close the season.

The Dragoslav Stepanović Era (1998)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1998–99 season, Part I

Dragoslav Stepanović was hired as the new manager. In the transfers of the season, those of Vasilios Lakis, Akis Zikos and Dimitris Markos stood out. With the retirement of the club's long-time captain, Stelions Manolas, Georgios Koutoulas, Christos Kostis and Marcelo Veridiano also departed. In the UEFA Cup, AEK eliminated Ferencvárosi TC, Ferencváros in the second qualifying round and in the first round they faced Vitesse Arnhem, Vitesse and they were eliminated from the institution. Stepanović started well, but his presence at the bench was not convincing and he was sacked after the 7th matchday.

The Oleg Blokhin Era (1998–1999)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Alpha Ethniki (1998–99 Alpha Ethniki, 1999)''

1998–99 season, Part II

Former player Takis Karagiozopoulos took over for a while and then Oleg Blokhin was hired. At the same time the ex-president, Dimitris Melissanidis took over the management of the club. In January they were strengthened with the loans of Christopher Wreh and Alberto Méndez (footballer), Alberto Méndez. In April, by the initiative of Melissanidis, a friendly match was organised against FK Partizan, Partizan in Belgrade, during the height of the NATO bombing of Serbia. In the end of the season, AEK could not claim the championship and finished second. The league's top scorer was Demis Nikolaidis with 22 goals.

The Ljubiša Tumbaković Era (1999–2000)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

1999–2000 season, Part I

Melissanidis who had taken over the management, addressed the Serbian market hiring Ljubiša Tumbaković, while the club signed Dragan Ćirić as a loan. Traianos Dellas and Sotiris Konstantinidis were also acquired and at the same time, Kevin Sebwe and Daniel Batista left the club. At the beginning of September 1999 Athens earthquake, a big earthquake took place in Parnitha and damaged part of Nikos Goumas Stadium, which was deemed unsuitable and thus AEK were forced to play most of their home matches at Nea Smyrni Stadium. In the Champions League, AEK were drawn against AIK Fotboll, AIK and were eliminated with 1–0, continuing in the UEFA Cup. There, AEK eliminated FC Torpedo Kutaisi, Torpedo Kutaisi and MTK Budapest FC, MTK Budapest, but were eliminated by Monaco afterwards. In the winter they were strengthened with the transfer of Milen Petkov. Tumbaković brought irrational results and since he was left out of the European competitions, after a home defeat by Panionios he was removed from the bench of AEK.

The Giannis Pathiakakis Era (2000–2001)

''Honours Won: Greek Cup (1999–2000 Greek Football Cup, 2000)''

''Runner-up: —''

1999–2000 season, Part II

After a brief return of Takis Karagiozopoulos as an interim coach, Giannis Pathiakakis was hired. After the departure of Melissanidis, the multinational owners appointed the Dutch Cornelius Sierhuis as the new president, the first foreign to ever seat in that position. Pathiakakis raised the psychology of the team, however they finished in 3rd place. In the cup, AEK reached the final, facing Ionikos, which easily won with 3–0 and got the trophy. However, the highlight of the match was the fair play move by Nikolaidis, who after scoring a goal with his hand, asked the referee to disallow it, which led the International Olympic Committee to award him for his sportsmanship.

2000–01 season, Part I

The season started with the multinational Nova (Greece), Netmed and ENIC at the wheel of the club. Fernando Navas and Theodoros Zagorakis arrived at the club with Vasilios Tsiartas and Christos Kostis returning from abroad. The departures of Dimitris Markos and Giannis Kalitzakis stood out among others. AEK started the championship mediocre. In the UEFA Cup, AEK eliminated Vasas SC, Vasas, Herfølge Boldklub, Herfølge and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Bayer Leverkusen and were qualified in the round of 16. In the Cup, AEK reached the round of 16 and were drawn against Olympiacos. In the first leg and while the score was 1–0, AEK were suddenly left with 9 men and after they were equalized, the chairman of AEK, Petros Stathis instructed the players to fake injuries so that the match would stop to prevent incidents with the fans, resulting in Olympiacos being awarded the match. In the rematch Pathiakakis used a mix of substitutes and main players in the lineup in a 6–1 defeat. After the game Pathiakakis left the club.

The Toni Savevski Era (2001)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2000–01 season, Part II

After the departure of Pathiakakis, the team's captain, Toni Savevski retired as a footballer and became their new coach. AEK were strengthened with the transfers of Nikolaos Georgeas and Ivan Rusev (footballer), Ivan Rusev. In the round of 16 of the UEFA Cup, AEK faced FC Barcelona, Barcelona and were eliminated from the institution. In the championship, AEK finished third.

The Fernando Santos Era, Part I (2001–2002)

''Honours Won: Greek Cup (2001–02 Greek Football Cup, 2002)''

''Runner-up: Alpha Ethniki (2001–02 Alpha Ethniki, 2002)''

2001–02 season

AEK were once again with administrative and financial problems, as ENIC and Netmed were searching for a buyer for the club, with the controversial businessman Makis Psomiadis becoming their new boss. Psomiadis hired Fernando Santos (footballer, born 1954), Fernando Santos as the team's coach, while adding to the roster, Carlos Gamarra as a loan. Among the departures of the season were those of Traianos Dellas and Charis Kopitsis. The club performed well in all competitions were first during the winter break. In the winter transfer period, AEK were strengthen with Ilija Ivić, while Fernando Navas left. The 3 consecutive defeats in January allowed Olympiacos to cover the lost ground. Eventually, in the match that was deemed as "final" for the title, AEK lost 4–3 to Olympiacos and championship was lost in a draw with 58 points each. In the UEFA Cup, AEK eliminated CS Grevenmacher, Grevenmacher, Hibernian F.C., Hibernian, NK Osijek, Osijek and PFC Litex Lovech, Litex Lovech, but were eliminated by Internazionale at the round of 16. In the Cup, AEK reached the final against Olympiacos won the trophy with 2–1.

The Dušan Bajević Era, Part II (2002–2004)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2002–03 season

After the resignation of Fernando Santos, Psomiadis made a controversial decision and brought back Dušan Bajević to replace him. The return of Bajević was not well received by the ultras who protested, as they considered his move to rivals Olympiacos in 1996 a high treason. Despite the departures of Akis Zikos, Vaios Karagiannis and Carlos Gamarra, AEK signed Grigoris Georgatos, Kostas Katsouranis, Michel Kreek, Mauricio Wright and Walter Centeno, while Vasilios Borbokis returned to the club. For the qualifying round of the Champions League, AEK eliminated APOEL and were qualified to the group stage. There they were placed alongside Real Madrid, A.S. Roma, Roma and K.R.C. Genk, Genk, achieving a record by drawing all six of the group stage matches, eventually finishing 3rd and continued in the UEFA Cup. In January, Ilias Atmatsidis was released, after 12 years at the club. Having lost his support within the club, Psomiadis left, with president of Amateur AEK, Giannis Granitsas taking charge. In the round of 32 of the UEFA Cup they passed through Maccabi Haifa F.C., Maccabi Haifa and in the round of 16, AEK faced Málaga CF, Málaga and were eliminated. AEK claimed the league, but finishing third by 2 points from the top. In the Cup, AEK reached the semi-finals against PAOK and they were eliminated. The season was also marked by the demolition of Nikos Goumas Stadium, home to AEK Athens for 73 years.

2003–04 season Part I

The summer of 2003 started with severe financial and administrative problems, after the mismanaging of Psomiadis. Furthermore, Demis Nikolaidis, Mauricio Wright and Walter Centeno also left. The transfers of Nikos Liberopoulos, Ioannis Okkas and Vangelis Moras promised to revitalise the club's success amid the growing financial problems. Since the demolition of the Nikos Goumas Stadium, AEK were forced to play in various stadiums of Athens. AEK took a financial breath by joining the group stage of the Champions League, as they eliminated Grasshopper Club Zürich, Grasshopper. There, they were drawn with Monaco, Deportivo de La Coruña, Deportivo La Coruña and PSV Eindhoven and their European campaign came to an end, as the finished 4th with 2 draws and 4 defeats. In the winter transfer window, they were weakened through the releases of Grigoris Georgatos and Christos Maladenis. Modest performances were not enough and unable to cope with the negativity from a large section of the fans, Bajević resigned in January, during the match against Iraklis.

The Ilie Dumitrescu Era (2004)

2003–04 season, Part II

Ilie Dumitrescu was appointed as a caretaker manager. Nevertheless, Dumitrescu did not manage to change the situation of the team, who eventually finished in the 4th in the league. In the Cup, AEK reached the semi-finals, where they got eliminated by Panathinaikos.

The Demis Nikolaidis Era (2004–2008)

The Fernando Santos Era, Part II (2004–2006)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Alpha Ethniki (2005–06 Alpha Ethniki, 2006), Greek Cup (2005–06 Greek Football Cup, 2006)''

2004–05 season

On the brink of bankruptcy, AEK lost most of their important players, such as Vasilios Borbokis, Theodoros Zagorakis, Michalis Kapsis, Michel Kreek, Vasilios Lakis, Vasilios Tsiartas and Ioannis Okkas, while Michalis Kasapis and Ilija Ivić retired. The former star of the team, Demis Nikolaidis persuaded a group of businessmen to buy shares and invest money to the club and became the new club president. His primary task was to lead AEK out of their precarious financial situation. Securing the club's participation in the league, Nikolaidis began to rebuild the team and brought back Fernando Santos as head coach. Santos also brought Paulo Assunção and Bruno Alves on loan from Porto, while Alessandro Soares also arrived. With their European participation also secured from UEFA, AEK eliminated ND Gorica, Gorica for the first found of the UEFA Cup and advanced to the group stage. There, they were placed in the same group with Sevilla, Lille OSC, Lille, FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Alemannia Aachen and with 4 defeats in equal matches were eliminated from the tournament. Winter additions included Júlio César (footballer, born February 1980), Júlio César and Vladimir Ivić, Vladan Ivić. AEK came close to winning the championship, but a surprise loss to Ionikos and the defeat to Panathinaikos, resulted in finishing 3rd. The course of the team in the Cup was similar, where they faced Olympiacos in the semi-finals and were eliminated.

2005–06 season

The next season the club was strengthened with the returns of Vasilios Lakis and Traianos Dellas, while also acquiring Georgios Alexopoulos, Stefano Sorrentino, Bruno Cirillo, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Panagiotis Kone. During the winter transfer period, AEK signed Emerson (footballer, born 1972), Emerson and Pantelis Kapetanos. Chrysostomos Michailidis, Nikos Kostenoglou, Ivan Rusev, Milen Petkov, Sotiris Konstantinidis and Christos Kostis were among the departures. In the first round of UEFA Cup, AEK were drawn against Zenit Saint Petersburg. They managed to secure an away 0–0 draw, but lost by 0–1 at home and were eliminated. In the league they finished second, securing a place in the Champions League of the next season. In the Cup, AEK reached the final, where they lost the trophy to Olympiacos with a 3–0 defeat.

The Lorenzo Serra Ferrer Era (2006–2008)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece (2006–07 Super League Greece, 2007)''

2006–07 season

Nikolaidis decided in the removal of Fernando Santos and appointed Lorenzo Serra Ferrer as head coach. Kostas Katsouranis and Alessandro Soares departed. Summer transfers included Panagiotis Lagos, Akis Zikos, Dániel Tőzsér and the loan of Gustavo Manduca. AEK started the season as they overcame Heart of Midlothian F.C., Hearts in the Champions League and qualified to the group stage. There, the club obtained 8 points, their top performance until then, beating Lille and Milan by 1–0 in their way to the third place. In the Cup, they faced a shock-elimination at the first round by Haidari F.C., Chaidari in the penalty shoot-out. During the winter transfer period AEK signed Pantelis Kafes. In the round of 32 of the UEFA Cup, AEK played against Paris Saint-Germain and they were eliminated with 2 defeats. In the league, AEK played good football at periods and finished second securing a place in the Champions League of the next season.

2007–08 season, Part I

The season started with great expectations for AEK, as they signed Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Brazilian legend Rivaldo, Jürgen Macho, Tam Nsaliwa and Ismael Blanco. On the other hand, great departures took place with Dionysis Chiotis, Vangelis Moras, Bruno Cirillo, Vladan Ivić and Vasilios Lakis leaving the club. For the Champions League third qualifying round, AEK were drawn with Sevilla and were eliminated losing. AEK continued in the UEFA Cup and were drawn against Red Bull Salzburg and were qualified to the group stage. They were placed alongside Villarreal CF, Villarreal, ACF Fiorentina, Fiorentina, FK Mladá Boleslav, Mladá Boleslav and IF Elfsborg, Elfsborg, finishing third in the group. Nevertheless, AEK started the season well and were in the claiming of the league. On 3 February, Olympiacos lost to Apollon Kalamarias with 1–0, with the player of Apollon, Roman Wallner having an irregular participation, with the red and whites filing an objection for the match. In the Cup, AEK were eliminated by Skoda Xanthi, which resulted in the sacking of Serra Ferrer.

The Nikos Kostenoglou Era, Part I (2008)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece (2007–08 Super League Greece, 2008)''

2007–08 season, Part II

The assistant of Ferrer, Nikos Kostenoglou replaced him as a caretaker. In the round of 32 of the UEFA Cup, AEK were drawn with Getafe CF, Getafe and were eliminated. In the league AEK covered the distance from the top and had an impressive run in the last ten games of the league, during which they had two 4–0 wins against Olympiacos at home and PAOK away. However, AEK finished second behind Olympiacos, who also won the "Wallner-case". This meant that the team had to compete in the play-offs, where they faced disastrous results and finished second, missing the opportunity to compete in the Champions League of the following season. Ismael Blanco was the league's top scorer with 19 goals.

The Georgios Donis Era (2008)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2008–09 season, Part I

Georgios Donis was appointed as head coach of AEK. There were big changes in the squad with Daniel Majstorović, Ignacio Scocco, Sebastián Saja, Juanfran (footballer, born 1976), Juanfran, Angelos Basinas, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, and Rafik Djebbour arriving at the club. Among the departures were those of three captains, Akis Zikos, Traianos Dellas and Nikos Liberopoulos, Rivaldo, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Panagiotis Kone, Dániel Tőzsér and Júlio César. The season did not start well, as AEK failed to surpass Omonia for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, resulting in their elimination from European competitions. A series of poor performances and results left the team in a difficult situation, with Nikolaidis leaving due to disappointing results and a lengthy clash with the ultras. The presidency was temporarily taken by Nikos Koulis and Takis Kannellopoulos. A series of disappointing results continued and the administration asked for the resignation of Donis.

Financial struggle and relegation (2008–2013)

The Dušan Bajević Era, Part III (2008–2010)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (2008–09 Greek Football Cup, 2009)''

2008–09 season, Part II

Koulis and Kanellopoulos hired Dušan Bajević as head coach for the third time. However, after a while and because of the controversy surrounding Bajević's return to AEK a rivalry sparked between him and Kanellopoulos resulting in the latter's resignation from the presidency. Georgios Kintis became the new president shortly after but did not last long as Nikos Thanopoulos was elected. During the winter transfer period Angelos Basinas left the club. Bajević brought some stability to team's performances, culminating in AEK's progression to the Cup final against Olympiacos. Although AEK took an early 2–0 lead and later a 3–2 lead, the march ended in a 4–4 draw and the winner would be decided in a penalty shootout in which they lost 14–15 due to three penalties misses. In the league AEK ended up in the 4th place, qualifying for the play-offs. There, they secured the second place and would compete in the newly founded Europa League. Ismael Blanco finished the season with a total 23 goals, earning him his second consecutive title of the league's top scorer, while he also was the top scorer of the cup.

2009–10 season

During the summer transfer period AEK signed Kostas Manolas, Grigoris Makos, Nikolaos Karabelas, Leonardo (footballer, born September 1986), Leonardo, Roger Guerreiro and Carlos Araujo. Most important departures including Jürgen Macho, Stefano Sorrentino, Agustín Pelletieri and Vasilios Pliatsikas, while Sotirios Kyrgiakos to Liverpool. In the Europa League play-off round they eliminated FC Vaslui, Vaslui and were qualified for the group stage. They were placed in Benfica, Everton F.C., Everton and FC BATE Borisov, BATE Borisov, AEK secured only a 1–0 victory against Benfica and a gathered total of 4 points finishing last. On top of that, AEK failed to progress from the fourth round of the Cup, as they lost 0–1 to the second division side, Thrasyvoulos F.C., Thrasyvoulos. In December, Stavros Adamidis took over as the new president of the club. In the league AEK finished fourth and qualified for the play-offs, where they secured the second place.

2010–11 season, Part I

In the summer transfer period AEK chose to sign more experienced players with the return of the captains Nikos Liberopoulos and Traianos Dellas and the signing of Christos Patsatzoglou and Papa Bouba Diop. Daniel Majstorović, Georgios Alexopoulos, Juanfran and Tam Nsaliwa were among the departures. AEK qualified from the Europa League play-off round, surpassing Dundee United F.C., Dundee United with strange events leading in the rematch taking place at Karaiskakis Stadium, without the presence of AEK fans. In the group stage, they were drawn against Zenit Saint Petersburg, Anderlecht and HNK Hajduk Split, Hajduk Split. In the league AEK lost twice and drew once in their four first matches. Bajević resigned on after a 3–1 defeat against Olympiakos Volos. Former player and coach of the youth team, Bledar Kola was appointed as a caretaker manager.

The Manolo Jiménez Era, Part I (2010–2011)

''Honours Won: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (2010–11 Greek Football Cup, 2011)''

''Runner-up: —''

2010–11 season, Part II

Manolo Jiménez (footballer, born 1964), Manolo Jiménez became the new coach. The Spaniard started with an impressive 0–4 away victory against Aris and the results were instantly improved and AEK won both derby matches against Panathinaikos and Olympiacos by 1–0 and PAOK with 4–0. In the Cup, AEK eliminated AEL, Panathinaikos and PAOK, reaching the final against Atromitos who they won by 3–0, claiming the cup. Ismael Blanco finished as the top scorer of the tournament with 4 goals. In the league, AEK paid the rotation in the matches that were near with those of the cup and thus finished in the third place and competed in the play-offs, finishing third as well.

2011–12 season, Part I

The departures of Ignacio Scocco, Sebastián Saja, Papa Bouba Diop and Ismael Blanco greatly depowered the squad. However, AEK signed Eiður Guðjohnsen, José Carlos (footballer, born 1987), José Carlos, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos and Fabián Vargas, while Steve Leo Beleck and Cala (footballer, born 1989), Cala were signed on loan. In the Europa League play-off round, AEK eliminated FC Dinamo Tbilisi, Dinamo Tbilisi. In the Group Stage, AEK were drawn against Anderlecht, Lokomotiv Moscow and SK Sturm Graz, Sturm Graz, where they managed a third-place finish. Jiménez's contract was mutually terminated following heavy defeats in the European games and PAOK

The Nikos Kostenoglou Era, Part II (2011–12)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2011–12 season, Part II

Former player and manager Nikos Kostenoglou agreed to return to AEK's managerial position. During the winter transfer period AEK were weakened with the departure of Cala. In the Cup AEK were eliminated by PAOK in a single match at the round of 16. Despite the problems, the club qualified for the play–offs and competed for the Champions League qualification slot, but lost it in the last fixture.

The Vangelis Vlachos Era (2012)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2012–13 season, Part I

Owing to the growing financial problems AEK did participate in the Europa League of the season, as they failed to meet the requirement for a license. Furthermore, both of the club's captains, Traianos Dellas and Nikos Liberopoulos, decided to retire. In the face of this crisis, AEK legend, Thomas Mavros took over the presidency of the club and appointed Vangelis Vlachos as the new manager. The squad was severely weakened as Viktor Klonaridis, Grigoris Makos and Leonardo were sold, while Nikolaos Georgeas, Pantelis Kafes, Fabián Vargas, Kostas Manolas, Eiður Guðjohnsen and Nikolaos Karabelas were released, since the club was not able to bear the weight of their contracts. Summer transfers were predominantly young Greek players. Notable additions were Georgios Katidis and Miguel Ángel Cordero, Miguel Cordero. The club performed badly and was constantly in the relegation zone. As a result, Vlachos was sacked and was replaced by his assistant Manolis Papadopoulos. Mavros, who disagreed that decision and resigned from the club's presidency.

The Ewald Lienen Era (2012–2013)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2012–13 season, Part II

Vlachos was replaced by Ewald Lienen. The winter transfer period was marked by the departure of Panagiotis Lagos and Giannis Kontoes. However, the additions of Antonis Petropoulos, Pavlos Mitropoulos, Anastasios Tsoumagas and Dimitrios Anakoglou helped the team improve their performance and rise from the relegation zone. After a 6 match unbeaten streak, AEK regained their hopes of avoiding relegation. An away defeat at the hands of PAS Giannina resulted in Lienen being sacked.

Rebirth and return to titles (2013–2018)

The Traianos Dellas Era (2013–2015)

''Honours Won: Football League Greece, Football League 2 (6th Group) (2014), Super League Greece 2, Football League (South Division) (2015)''

''Runner-up: —''

2012–13 season, Part III

AEK hired their former player, Traianos Dellas as the manager in order to fight against the relegation. AEK wanted 3 points in the last 2 matchdays in order to keep themselves in the division. The first was the crowded home match against Panthrakikos, Mavroudis Bougaidis scored an own goal in the last minutes, with the ultras invading the pitch. As a result, they lost the match on paper with 0–3 and were deducted with 3 points from the championship. AEK appealed and with the hope of getting the points back, played in the last match against Atromitos away from home, where they lost 1–0 by conceding a goal in the last minute, which resulted in the relegation of the club.

2013–14 season

Dimitris Melissanidis having won the elections of AEK and became the new owner of AEK. After the relegation of AEK to the second division, the previous management had decided in the bankruptcy the club in order to be released of their debts. Thus AEK became an amateur club and was relegated to the third division instead of the second. Melissanidis presented the project of a new stadium for the club, Agia Sophia Stadium. Dellas remained at the bench and the roster was filled with young footballers, Nikolaos Georgeas and Bruno Cirillo returned, while Miguel Cordero and Dimitrios Anakoglou among others, remained. Most important additions including Vasilios Rovas, Adam Tzanetopoulos, Vangelis Platellas, Alexandre D'Acol and Ivan Brečević. AEK easily won the promotion from Group 6 of the Football League 2, with only one loss to their record. However, they failed to win the Football League 2 Cup, after being knocked out at the semi-finals by Agrotikos Asteras F.C., Agrotikos Asteras with 2–0 in extra time.

2014–15 season

In the summer of 2014 AEK made signings from first division teams with Petros Mantalos, Giannis Anestis, Vasilios Lampropoulos, Christos Aravidis, Dimitrios Kolovetsios, Michalis Bakakis and Helder Barbosa. During the winter the injury of Cordero, Jakob Johansson was signed. The team powered through the league being unbeaten up until the play–off phase. The highlight of the season being the quarter-finals of the Cup against Olympiacos which AEK after the away 1–1, lost by a late goal at home. The match was abandoned after an invasion by ultras shortly after the goal with the Olympiacos manager Vítor Pereira (footballer, born 1968), Vítor Pereira and Pajtim Kasami making offensive gestures at the stands. At the play–offs the team lost their consistency and lost their unbeatable streak, but nevertheless were promoted to the Super League.

2015–16 season, Part I

AEK finally returned in Super League after 2 years of absence. The major signings were André Simões Rodrigo Galo, Ronald Vargas, Dídac Vilà and Diego Buonanotte, while Rafik Djebbour returned after 4 years. AEK started the championship well, but after a 4–0 defeat from Olympiacos, resulted in Dellas resigning after years at the bench of the club with the U20 coach, Stelios Manolas replacing him until a new coach was found.

The Gus Poyet Era (2015–2016)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2015–16 season, Part II

Gus Poyet was hired until the end of the season. The club was strengthened in January with the transfer of Tomáš Pekhart. The Uruguayan managed to change the atmosphere and won all 3 derbies, against Olympiacos, PAOK and Pananthinaikos with 1–0 at home and Vargas being the scorer. AEK also enjoyed a good Cup campaign winning all their matches and reaching the semi-final before Poyet was sacked on due to conflicts with Melissanidis. Manolas was appointed as interim head coach again until the end of the season, qualifying for the Cup final, where AEK beat Olympiacos with 2–1 and lifted the trophy. Manolas did not sit on the bench again due to overwork, with his assistant, Nikos Panagiotaras, sitting in his place. At the league play–offs they did not capitalise on their form in the Cup and facing the fatigue finished at third, qualifying for the Europa League, returning in European competition after 5 years.

The Temur Ketsbaia Era (2016)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2016–17 season, Part I

AEK appointed Temur Ketsbaia as head coach. The club signed Hugo Almeida, Patito Rodríguez, Joleon Lescott, Vasilis Barkas, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, Anastasios Bakasetas and Dmytro Chyhrynskyi. On the other side, Miguel Cordero, Diego Buonanotte, Dimitrios Anakoglou, Helder Barbosa and Rafik Djebbour left the club. This season marked the club's return to European competitions, facing AS Saint-Etienne in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League, where after the 0–0 in France, they were narrowly eliminated by losing 0–1 in Greece. AEK did not start the season well and after a 3–0 away loss to Olympiacos, Ketsbaia was sacked.

The José Morais Era (2016–2017)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2016–17 season, Part II

Immediately after the removal of Ketsbaia, Jose Morais was hired, with the purpose for the team to play offensive football. As the season progressed the performances were getting worse with AEK staying far behind in the standings. Furthermore, Joleon Lescott was released from the club, with Ognjen Vranješ arriving in his place during the winter transfer period, while Vangelis Platellas also left. However, AEK their bad performances and Morais resigned in January.

The Manolo Jiménez Era, Part II (2017–2018)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece: 1 (2017–18 Super League Greece, 2018)''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece: 1 (2016–17 Super League Greece, 2017), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 2 (2016–17 Greek Football Cup, 2017, 2017–18 Greek Football Cup, 2018)''

2016–17 season, Part III

Manolo Jimenez, returned after 6 years at the bench of the club. AEK proceeded with the loan of Sergio Araujo. With Jimenez, AEK improved their performances managed to cover the lost ground, finishing the championship at the fourth place and advanced to the play-offs. In the Cup, AEK reached the semi-finals, where they faced Olympiacos and got a 1–2 away win, with the rematch at home becoming a thriller game after the red and whites took the lead, in a match that ended with Almeida playing as the goalkeeper in stoppage time, after the suspension of Anestis with AEK taking the qualification on away goals. In the final, AEK faced PAOK at Panthessaliko Stadium, where wild incidents between the ultras of the teams took place. In the match, AEK were defeated by 2–1, with PAOK scoring the final goal from an offside position and lost the trophy. In the play-offs, AEK secured the first place in final matchday that led to the Champions League of the next season, finishing second in the league.

2017–18 season

AEK kept their main squad and were strengthened with Uroš Ćosić, Hélder Lopes (footballer), Hélder Lopes, Marko Livaja, Panagiotis Tsintotas and Giorgos Giakoumakis and the returns of Victor Klonaridis and Panagiotis Kone. On the contrary, Dimitrios Kolovetsios, Dídac Vilà, Ronald Vargas, Christos Aravidis, Hugo Almeida and Tomáš Pekhart departed. In the third qualifying round of the Champions League, AEK faced PFC CSKA Moscow, CSKA Moscow and were eliminated continuing in the play-off round of the Europa League. There, they eliminated Club Brugge KV, Club Brugge and returned in the group stage of the Europa League and were placed with Milan, HNK Rijeka, Rijeka and Austria Wien, finishing second and advanced to the knock-out stage. In the round of 32, they faced FC Dynamo Kyiv, Dynamo Kyiv and were eliminated on away goals. In the winter transfer period, AEK signed Masoud Shojaei and Niklas Hult. In February, PAOK were punished with a 3-point deduction and a home ban against AEK, due to the suspension of their home game against Olympiacos. In the midnight before the match, the verdict of PAOK's appeal came out returning the points to the team and lifting their home ban. Under these conditions, AEK played against PAOK and in the 90th minute, Fernando Varela (Cape Verdean footballer), Varela scored a goal with Maurício (footballer, born October 1988), Maurício coming in the course of the ball from an offside position. The referee initially counted the goal, but later called it off, resulting in the major shareholder of PAOK, Ivan Savvidis storming in and attacking the referee, with a revolver revealing in his belt. The referee interrupted the match and later returned to the pitch with the players of PAOK to continue the match with the score at 1–0, but the yellow-blacks refused to come out and the match was abandoned. The case was transferred to courts, where AEK were vindicated and were awarded the match and PAOK were punished with a 3-point deduction. AEK were crowned champions and held a title party in front of their under-construction stadium. In the cup, AEK reached the final for the third consecutive year, where they faced PAOK, for second consecutive year and lost their chance for a domestic double, losing by 2–0.

Transitional years (2018–2022)

The Marinos Ouzounidis Era (2018–2019)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2018–19 season, Part I

AEK aimed to return to the group stage of the Champions League, however the last season's team begun to break. The decision of Manolo Jiménez not to renew his contract, brought his replacement by Marinos Ouzounidis. Giannis Anestis, Ognjen Vranješ, Jakob Johansson, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos and Masoud Shojaei departed. On the other hand, AEK proceeded with the loans of Ezequiel Ponce, Marios Oikonomou, Alef (footballer, born 1995), Alef and Lucas Boyé. In the Champions League qualifiers AEK managed to pass through the group stage, eliminating Celtic F.C., Celtic and Fehérvár FC, MOL Vidi, making a domestic record of a 14-game unbeaten streak in the UEFA competitions. They were placed alongside FC Bayern Munich, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Ajax, where AEK lost all their matches and finished last. In the league, AEK started well, but an away defeat to PAOK and a 3-point deduction after a home draw with Olympiacos, left them behind in the title race. In the winter transfer period AEK signed Nenad Krstičić. Ouzounidis, unable to restore them to the title race, resigned in February.

The Manolo Jiménez Era, Part III (2019)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (2018–19 Greek Football Cup, 2019)''

2018–19 season, Part II

Ouzounidis was replaced by Manolo Jiménez, who had been released from his club since November. The return of the Spaniard after 9 months did not change anything, as AEK managed to finish third. In the Cup, AEK reached again the final, where they faced PAOK for a third consecutive year and in a repeat of the last season's final lost the title with 1–0.

The Miguel Cardoso Era (2019)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2019–20 season, Part I

In the summer of 2019, the club in search to replace Manolo Jiménez at the bench, ended up with Miguel Cardoso (football manager), Miguel Cardoso. Transfers included the return of Ognjen Vranješ, while Daniele Verde and Nélson Oliveira also arrived. Important players, such as Vasilios Lampropoulos, Rodrigo Galo and Anastasios Bakasetas departed, while the loans of Alef, Lucas Boyé and Ezequiel Ponce expired. In the third qualifying round of the Europa League, AEK eliminated CS Universitatea Craiova, Universitatea Craiova and in the play-offs they faced Trabzonspor. After a heavy 1–3 home defeat, which was combined by another against Xanthi, brought the sacking of Cardoso.

The Nikos Kostenoglou Era, Part III (2019)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2019–20 season, Part II

The Portuguese was replaced with the coach of the U19 team, Nikos Kostenoglou, in his third spell at the bench of club. In the rematch against Trabzonspor, AEK had a great performance and won by 0–2, losing the qualification on away goals. With Kostenoglou, the team had a temporary boost in their performance, but could not follow their contenders in the title race. Thus, the management ended their collaboration with the Greek coach.

Massimo Carrera Era (2019–2020)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (2019–20 Greek Football Cup, 2020)''

2019–20 season, Part III

The new coach of the team was Massimo Carrera. The club were strengthened with the loans of Damian Szymański and Sergio Araujo, in his third spell at the club. AEK were going through a good period, ending up in third place before the start of the play-offs. During that period the COVID-19 pandemic began, causing disruption to all sporting activities for about 3 months. The restart of the season in early June found AEK competing in the play-offs clearly affected by the interruption and lost the opportunity to finish second in a match where PAOK had knowingly played with unreviewed health cards of their footballers, which would have resulted in their nullification in this particular match if the management of the yellow-blacks objected the match.

In the cup, AEK easily passed through Asteras Tripolis in the round of 16 and Panetolikos in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, they faced Aris and after a 2–1 win in the first at home, which was the last with crowd before the lockdown, went to Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium three months later, where AEK took the qualification after a 2–2 draw at extra time. Thus, the yellow-blacks were in the final for fourth consecutive year facing Olympiacos. After a series of postponements the match took place in September at Panthessaliko Stadium. Due to the delay, the teams had to compete without the players acquired from the 2020 summer transfer period, by decision of the UEFA. In the match, AEK were defeated with 0–1 by an extremely inadequate Olympiacos, losing their fourth cup final.

2020–21 season, Part I

The season started for the first time in three years with the same coach at bench. Among the summer transfers, the buying of Damian Szymański and the signings of Ionuț Nedelcearu, Yevhen Shakhov (footballer, born 1990), Yevhen Shakhov, Levi García, Muamer Tanković and Karim Ansarifard stood out. On the other hand, Vasilis Barkas, Marios Oikonomou, Niklas Hult, Daniele Verde and Victor Klonaridis departed, while the permanent stay of Ognjen Vranješ and Sergio Araujo once again did not occur. It was also the season that followed the interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in no actual pre-season preparation during summer, while all of the matches were played in front of empty stands.

The draw for the third qualifying round of the Europa League brought AEK against FC St. Gallen, St. Gallen. Due to a busy schedule and the consequences of the pandemic, that the matches of the qualifying and play-off rounds were single-legged. Thus, at Kybunpark, AEK prevailed by 0–1 and were qualified in the play-off round, where they faced VfL Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg at the Olympic Stadium and won by 2–1 with a comeback, earning a place at the group stage. There, they were placed alongside Braga, Leicester City F.C., Leicester City and FC Zorya Luhansk, Zorya Luhansk, where European course ended poorly, as they finished last with only 1 win.

AEK were going well in the league, but the team's performance decreased after five players were diagnosed with COVID-19. After a series of poor performances brought the termination of Carrera's contract.

The Manolo Jiménez Era, Part IV (2020–2021)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2020–21 season, Part II

The Italian was replaced with the old acquaintance, Manolo Jiménez in his fourth spell at AEK. The aftermath of the winter transfer period was the departure of Livaja, after his mutual contract termination. At the start the Spaniard seemed to improve the competitive performance, but yet again the team collapsed. In the cup, after two expected but not easy qualifications against Apollon Smyrnis and Volos F.C., Volos, but faced another elimination from PAOK in the semi-finals. The regular season ended with the team struggling to finish third.

The collapse of the team resulted in AEK facing embarrassing defeats in the play-offs, which brought them close to a disastrous fifth-place finish, which meant the absence from the European competitions. Eventually, an away 0–1 win against Panathniakos secured the fourth position for the yellow-blacks.

The Vladan Milojević Era (2021)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2021–22 season, Part I

After a search for a new coach, Vladan Milojević was hired. Several transfers were made, with the permanent return of Ognjen Vranješ and Sergio Araujo, while players, such as Cican Stanković, Georgios Tzavellas, Lazaros Rota, Ehsan Hajsafi, Milad Mohammadi, Nordin Amrabat and Steven Zuber also arrived, with the latter caming as a loan. Players with great contribution in the previous seasons such as Dmytro Chyhrynskyi, Hélder Lopes, Nenad Krstičić and Nélson Oliveira departed.

The start of the season found AEK in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, UEFA Europa Conference League, facing FK Velež Mostar, Velež Mostar. In the first leg at Sarajevo, the Greek club, despite taking the lead early on, lost by 2–1. It was the first season that UEFA abolished the away goals rule in their competitions, thus the yellow-blacks needed two goals to qualify at the normal time. The rematch of Athens was a monologue for AEK and in the stoppage time made the 1–0, taking the match went to extra time and eventually to the penalty shootout, where they lost 2–3, achieving their most humiliating elimination in their European history.

The season had already started badly from very early on, and despite the quality roster, they lacked the psychology to compete for the title. The first negative results of the team brought to the administration doubts in the face of Serbian coach and in October his contract of was mutually terminated.

The Argiris Giannikis Era (2021–2022)

''Honours Won: —''

''Runner-up: —''

2021–22 season, Part II

AEK found themselves again looking for a coach in mid-season. The management decided to give a chance to the promising Argiris Giannikis. As usual the change of coach initially brought some positive results, but it quickly fell apart as many things were missing from the team to become contenders for the title.

In the cup, AEK easily passed through A.E. Kifisia F.C., A.E. Kifisia for the round of 16. In the quarter-finals they faced PAOK and despite their good image, they were again eliminated conceding two goals in the final minutes of the stoppage time of the second leg.

After a series of bad results, an embarrassing 3–0 away defeat at the hands of Panathinaikos, brought the expected end to the tenure of Giannikis at AEK.

Homecoming with new beginning (2022–2025)

The Matías Almeyda Era (2022–2025)

''Honours Won: Super League Greece: 1 (2022–23 Super League Greece, 2023), Greek Football Cup, Greek Cup: 1 (2022–23 Greek Football Cup, 2023)''

''Runner-up: Super League Greece (2023–24 Super League Greece, 2024)''

2022–23 season

The end of the previous season found AEK failing to qualify in any European competition. In the midst of that situation, Matías Almeyda was hired as the new coach. Players, such as Domagoj Vida, Harold Moukoudi, Djibril Sidibé (footballer, born 1992), Djibril Sidibé, Jens Jønsson, Mijat Gaćinović, Niclas Eliasson and most importantly, Orbelín Pineda on loan, arrived, while the transfer of Steven Zuber became permanent. At the same time, André Simões left the team after 7 years.

From early in the season AEK began to show signs of the team that Almeyda was preparing. A team with dominance on the pitch, that suffocated their opponents with pressure all over the pitch and immediate ball recoveries. Furthermore, with the completion of Agia Sophia Stadium, AEK entered their new home, which gave the team a boost in their performance. As the season progressed, despite their performance, were in second place behind Panathinaikos, but the image of the two teams gave impression that the point difference was reversible.

After the interruption, of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, AEK went until the end of the regular season achieving mostly victories. On 5 February, AEK became unwittingly involved in case that defamed Greek football, when at Peristeri Stadium, the height in one of the two goalposts was shorter and after unsuccessful efforts by the hosts to fix the issue, the teams departed and the case went to courts. Despite the regulation, the replay of the match was set, absolving the hosts, Atromitos of any responsibility. Nevertheless, AEK won the match and went in the play-offs having reduced the point distance from Panathinaikos in just 2 points. The title was eventually judged in the penultimate matchday, where AEK defeated Aris, while at the same time Panathnaikos were defeated by Olympiacos. Thus, on final fixture, AEK, with their victory against Volos, were crowned champions, with the awarding ceremony taking place inside their new stadium.

AEK easily overcame the obstacle of PAS Giannina in the fifth round of the cup. Afterwards, they easily passed through A.E. Kifisia and Panserraikos and were qualified to the semi-finals. There, AEK came against Olympiacos and with an imposing 3–0 at home and a 2–1 defeat away, were qualified in the final, with PAOK being their opponent. After a series of adventures about the venue of the final, the match took place at Panthessaliko Stadium. AEK once again came in, imposing their game, but the sent-off of Rota changed everything, as they were forced in a defensive role for the whole match. Nevertheless, they defended effectively and managed to score with Moukoudi, while in the final minutes, they finished the game with a magic goal by Paolo Fernandes, Fernandes, winning their third domestic double in their history.

2023–24 season

2024–25 season

^ETExtra time taken into account.

^PENExtra time taken into account and went to penalty shoot-out.

Owner, chairman and manager history

^CTServed as caretaker manager.

Kit

Crest and Colours

In 1924, AEK Athens adopted the image of a double-headed eagle as their emblem. AEK Athens was created by Greeks, Greek refugees from Constantinople in the years following the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922), Greco-Turkish War and subsequent Population exchange between Greece and Turkey, population exchange and the emblem was chosen as a reminder of their lost homelands representing the club's historical ties to Constantinople. After all, the double-headed eagle is featured in the flag of the Greek Orthodox Church, whose headquarters are in Constantinople and served as Byzantine flags and insignia, Imperial emblem under the Palaiologos dynasty.

AEK Athens' main emblem underwent numerous minor changes between 1924 and 1982. The design of the eagle on the shirt badge was often not identical to the design of the eagle depicted on official club correspondence, merchandise and promotional material. All designs were considered "official" (in the broadest sense of the word), however, it was not until 1982 that an identifiable, copyrighted design was established as the club's official shirt and badge. The emblem design was changed in 1989 and again in 1993 to the current shield design.

Yellow and black, the colours AEK Athens has adopted for their kits come from it connection with Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire. Yellow symbolises the hope that the Greek refugees will once be able to return to their homes while black symbolises the grief for the loss of their homes. The colours are also featured in the flag of the Greek Orthodox Church.

The third kit is usually blue and white colour taken from the Flag of Greece, Greek flag. For a couple of season the third kit used to be Scarlet (color)#Dark scarlet, dark scarlet, a colour which was featured in the Empire's Byzantine flags and insignia#Tetragrammic cross, flag.

AEK Athens have always worn predominantly striped or plain yellow shirts, black shorts and yellow or black socks. Variations mostly include all-black or all-yellow kits. The most notable exception were the kits manufactured by Italian firms Basic and Kappa (company), Kappa which were used during the 1990s. They featured a double-headed eagle across the kit and the 1994 version was voted "Kit of the season" by UEFA.

Kit history

1920's–1950's

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1960's–1990's

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2010's

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2020's

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Kit sponsors and manufacturers

Stadiums

Training Facilities

AEK Athens had been using an old training complex in Thrakomakedones for years. In November 2010, they moved to the Spata Training Centre. The complex was built using funds of the then shareholder Nicholas X. Notias, Nikos Notias. During the ownership of Dimitris Melissanidis the training center was modernized in 2013 and was expanded in 2014. In April 2022 a pitch with stands under the name "Serafidio Stadium" was built to host the matches of AEK Athens B F.C., AEK Athens B and friendly games of the first team.

Youth academy

AEK was the first Greek club to found a youth academy back in 1934.

Famous players have been produced by AEK youth development system over the years.

Some of the most notable include: Tryfon Tzanetis (1933–1950), Kleanthis Maropoulos (1934–1952), Andreas Stamatiadis (1950–1969), Stelios Skevofilakas (1960–1973), Nikos Karoulias (1973–1974), Stelios Manolas (1978–1998), Spyros Ikonomopoulos (1977–1996), Vangelis Vlachos (1979–1985), Lysandros Georgamlis (1979–1985), Pantelis Konstantinidis (1993–1994), Dionysis Chiotis (1994–2007), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (2005–2008), Savvas Gentsoglou (2006–2012), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (2007–2010), Kostas Manolas (2009–2012), Victor Klonaridis (2010–2012, 2017–2020) and Konstantinos Galanopoulos (2015–2025).

One-club men

Personnel in multiple positions

Competition timeline

History of squad numbers

''Regular squad numbers did not exist before the 1997–98 season.''

Seasons overview

*Players sorted according to the time they have spent in the club.
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^W:Arrived during the winter transfer period.
*Players in ''Italics'' left during the season.
*^*After play–offs.

See also

*AEK Athens F.C.
*List of AEK Athens F.C. records and statistics
*AEK Athens F.C. in European football

Notes

References

External links

*AEK Athens History o
aekfc.gr

{{DEFAULTSORT:History Of AEK Athens F.C.
AEK Athens F.C.
History of football clubs in Greece