Γηραιός Iraklis FC
Greece · Founded: 1908
Iraklis FC is a historic football club based in Thessaloniki, Greece, with roots dating back to 1899 through a cultural organization that later developed a sports section. The football team itself emerged in the early 20th century, and the club officially adopted the name “Iraklis” in 1910, inspired by the ancient Greek hero Heracles. It is considered one of the oldest clubs in Greek football and one of the earliest established in Thessaloniki.
Throughout its history, Iraklis has been an important but less decorated club compared to Greece’s biggest teams. Before the establishment of a nationwide league, it achieved success in regional competitions in Macedonia. Its main domestic achievement came in 1976, when it won the Greek Cup, and it has also reached several other cup finals. Internationally, the club won the Balkans Cup in 1985, marking its most notable success outside Greece.
In modern times, Iraklis has faced significant financial and administrative difficulties, leading to relegations and instability. Despite these challenges, it remains a well-known and respected club with a loyal fan base and a strong historical identity in Greek football. Although it has not consistently competed at the highest level in recent years, its legacy as one of the country’s traditional clubs continues to be recognized.
| Tournament | Count | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Championship | 3 | 1933-34 · 1938-39 · 1946-47 |
| 2 | 1950-51 · 1983-84 | |
| Cup | 1 | 1975-76 |
| 4 | 1946-47 · 1956-57 · 1979-80 · 1986-87 |