Kostas Negrepontis

Kostas Negrepontis — Biography

Kostas Negrepontis (Greek: Κώστας Νεγρεπόντης; 31 October 1897, Constantinople – 19 February 1973, Athens) was a Greek international footballer and later a manager who played as a forward. Although he was born in the Ottoman capital, the Greek, English and other accounts all describe him as a Greek player.

His playing career spanned the 1920s and 1930s. He was regarded as a technically gifted forward noted for his footballing intelligence and his shooting; contemporary reports referred to him admiringly by his nickname, "Negro". He was widely respected by supporters and opponents alike.

After retiring he moved into coaching and also served as an instructor for prospective managers. Through his work on and off the pitch — above all his long association with AEK Athens — he played an important part in the early development of Greek football.