OFI Crete

OFI Crete F.C., founded in Heraklion in 1925, boasts a proud history defined by passionate Cretan identity and two transformative coaching eras. The club’s absolute golden age arrived under legendary Dutch manager Eugène Gerards, who took charge in 1985 and remained at the helm for a record-breaking 15 years. Gerards completely revolutionized the club, guiding them to their finest hour by capturing the 1987 Greek Cup, achieving high top-flight finishes, and engineering famous European nights like eliminating Atlético Madrid in the 1993–94 UEFA Cup. Following years of subsequent financial instability and relegations, OFI entered a thrilling modern renaissance under manager Christos Kontis, who took over in October 2025. Kontis instantly etched his name into club lore by managing a spectacular run to win the 2025–26 Greek Cup in a thrilling 3–2 extra-time victory over PAOK, followed by a 2026 Greek Super Cup triumph over AEK Athens and a successful return to European competition, beating CSKA Sofia to advance to the league phase of the 2026-27 Europa League.