Konstantinos Karetsas, the 18-year-old winger for Greece, has captured the attention of Europe’s top football clubs with his electrifying performances. During Greece’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland on November 21, 2023, he showcased his talent by scoring a stunning goal, sealing a 3-2 victory for his team. Despite Greece’s inability to qualify for the tournament, the match drew a packed crowd at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, eager to see the promising young talent.
As the match progressed, Karetsas displayed his skill with a remarkable goal. Positioned on the edge of the area, he received a perfectly timed cut-back and, rather than shooting across his body, he expertly struck the ball past Scotland’s goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, at the near post. This moment exemplified the pure ball-striking ability that has made Karetsas a standout player in world football.
In his first in-depth interview with The Athletic prior to the match, Karetsas expressed his philosophy on football. “You just have to do whatever comes into your mind,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of creativity on the pitch, insisting that players should embrace opportunities to take on defenders, shoot, or assist teammates. This mindset has served him well; in just a few months, he has become an integral part of both his club and national teams.
Karetsas made his debut for Greece in March 2023, scoring a memorable goal against Scotland, which has drawn comparisons to legendary players. His dynamic playing style and technical proficiency have earned him admiration from scouts and clubs across Europe. A former academy director from a prominent club remarked during a match, “You see he is a special one, hey?”
The young forward’s journey has not been without challenges. Born in Belgium, Karetsas initially played for Belgium’s youth teams but later chose to represent Greece, driven by a deep connection to his heritage. He recalls summers spent in Greece and watching the national team’s historic Euro 2004 campaign with his father, which solidified his desire to don the Greek jersey.
Karetsas’s technical skills are complemented by his relentless work ethic. He has recorded six assists in his last four games, a statistic reflecting a significant shift in his mindset. After facing setbacks last season, he resolved to abandon any complacency and strive for excellence. “I just changed my mindset,” he explained. “From being OK with being average to wanting to be the best.”
Beyond his on-field talent, Karetsas’s emotional resilience is evident in his reflections on the highs and lows of football. “I think in football you will have maybe 60 percent bad moments and maybe 40 percent good moments,” he noted. Yet, he believes the joy of success far outweighs the struggles. To maintain balance in his life, he consciously separates his football career from personal time, acknowledging the importance of mental health.
Karetsas credits his supportive family for his grounded perspective. His parents emigrated from Greece to Belgium for better opportunities, and their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. “They both made a lot of sacrifices,” he shared. His father, who played football in his youth, stepped back from the sport to ensure his sons had everything they needed to succeed.
As he progresses in his career, Karetsas remains focused on improvement, particularly in terms of his physicality. He participated in a program designed for late developers, which helped him enhance his game against competition better suited to his skill level. This effort has translated into a more significant impact on the pitch, positioning him among the top performers in shot-creating actions across Europe’s leagues.
Karetsas’s dribbling ability remains his most potent weapon. He recalls his early love for the game and the encouragement he received from his father to embrace creativity on the field. “Losing the ball was a fear I had to overcome,” he admitted, explaining how he always strived to play fearlessly, drawing inspiration from football legends such as Lionel Messi and Neymar.
As part of a vibrant generation of Greek footballers, including talents like Giannis Konstantelias and Christos Mouzakitis, Karetsas is optimistic about the future of the national team. Although they did not qualify for the upcoming World Cup, he believes their time will come.
With aspirations to play in one of Europe’s top leagues, Karetsas maintains a flexible outlook on his future. “I think with the right mindset, I can handle anything,” he said. Though he expressed a preference for Spain’s La Liga, he remains open to opportunities that align with his goals.
As he continues to develop, Konstantinos Karetsas is proving to be a player to watch, not just for his remarkable talent, but also for his dedication to both his craft and the values instilled by his family. The football world eagerly anticipates what this young star will achieve next.
