Overview
PAOK FC (Panthessalonikios Athlitikos Omilos Konstantinoupoliton) is a professional football club based in Thessaloniki, Greece. Founded in 1926 by refugees from Constantinople, the club is commonly called PAOK and competes at the highest levels of Greek football. The team's colours are black and white and its emblem is a distinctive Byzantine double-headed eagle, a symbol that reflects the club's historic ties to Constantinopolitan Greeks. For official information see the club pages: club website, national federation: Greece football, and local city resources: Thessaloniki.
History and identity
PAOK emerged in the interwar period as a focal point for refugee communities from Asia Minor and Constantinople. Over decades the club developed a reputation for strong regional support in northern Greece and for cultivating local talent. Its identity – black and white colors and the two-headed eagle – ties the modern club to Byzantine and Constantinopolitan heritage, expressed in badges, flags and matchday banners.
Stadium and supporters
PAOK's traditional home is Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, which has been the scene of many intense domestic fixtures. The fanbase is notable for passionate, vocal support that creates a strong home atmosphere. Local rivalries are particularly intense with nearby clubs, and matches between PAOK and local opponents are major events in the city.
Honours and competitions
Domestically PAOK is among Greece's most successful clubs. It has won multiple major trophies, including three national league championships and seven national cup titles. The team regularly competes in the Greek Super League and the Greek Cup, and it periodically participates in UEFA club competitions, representing Greek football in Europe.
Organisation and squad
The club fields a professional first team supported by youth and academy structures, women's and junior sides, and an administrative organization responsible for sporting and commercial activities. The first-team squad (roster registrations follow FIFA eligibility rules) is maintained season by season; squad listings and official updates are published by the club and national federation on their sites: official roster and league resources: competition page.