Finding Family

Akis Katsoudas gives us a closer look into Greek women's football

By Where Is Football

December 23^rd, 2025

When Akis Katsoudas joined the Panathinakos women’s team as a photographer, he was excited by the growing interest and competition in Greek women’s football.

Throughout his journey so far, he has learned that truly being a part of a team is more rewarding in itself than all the perks that come with it.

We sat down with Akis to look through his photos from his time so far, and talk about what this role has meant to him.

What is your relationship with football? How long have you been covering it?

I’ve been watching football since I was a child. I even tried to play for my village team as a defensive midfielder, but I was extremely average, so I decided to stop and focus on studying instead. I returned to football much later, first as a journalist and then as a photographer, when I moved to Athens for my studies. At first, I was drawn to amateur football and the characters that came out of it. Then came the trips around Greece and Europe, and today I feel grateful that I can say I make a living documenting the sport.

How did you become involved with the Panathinaikos women’s team?

First of all, I should say that I’m a Panathinaikos supporter. I grew up watching their big Champions League nights, like the win against Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza. Two years ago, I started writing about women’s football in Greece. That’s how I came across the Panathinaikos women’s team. I went to one of their matches to write a feature for the Greek outlet I was working for at the time. The team won, the atmosphere was great, and I decided to start working with them. I think that was one of the best decisions I’ve made so far in my career, mainly because of the experiences I’ve gained.

What has been your favorite part of traveling with the team?

Before working with Panathinaikos, I had never been involved so actively with a single football team. I had always been writing about and photographing many teams, but it was different each time. Being embedded with one team is unique because you experience their daily life and see how the players and staff act behind the scenes — when the cameras aren’t on them. The trips are my favorite part. Not so much the matches themselves, but everything around them: the team meals, the conversations on the bus before or after games, the connection with the fans outside Athens who come to see their team in their hometown.

Do you have a favorite ground out of all the ones you’ve visited?

I think my favorite stadium is the one in Kalabaka, where we played about a month ago. For two reasons: first, because of its stunning view. It sits right in front of the Meteora, a real natural wonder — massive rock formations that were once underwater in prehistoric times, topped with Christian monasteries. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photographing a match there is an incredible feeling. And second, because the Panathinaikos supporters were incredible that day. Around 200 to 300 fans stood behind the bench and sang nonstop throughout the match. We won, so the whole experience was unforgettable.

Can you talk about the growth of the women’s football scene in Greece, as you’ve witnessed it?

I think over the past two or three years, it has made significant progress. More money is coming into the game, the league is becoming more competitive, and spectator numbers are rising. Also, from this season, one match per week is broadcast on public television, which is very important for visibility. Still, there is a long way to go before it approaches even a fraction of the exposure that men’s football receives in Greece. There are major issues regarding facilities, stadiums, and the wage gap between men and women. A lot of work is still needed.

Anything else you want to mention?

I’d like to end with something. Before working with Panathinaikos, I usually wanted to spend my Sundays resting — going for a walk in the city centre or seeing friends in a relaxed way. That has changed. Now, when there’s no match, I feel a bit strange. I think it has to do with the fact that I’ve developed a bond with the team and especially with the people in it, many of whom I now consider friends. And that, in my view, is more important than football itself or the club.