AEK Athens F.C.#Presidents

{{Main|History of AEK Athens F.C.}}

File:Konspanoudis.png, first president of AEK.]]

The large Greek population of Constantinople, not unlike that of the other Ottoman urban centres, continued its athletic traditions in the form of numerous athletic clubs. Clubs such as Énosis Tatávlon ({{lang|el|Ένωσις Ταταύλων}}) and Iraklís ({{lang|el|Ηρακλής}}) from the Tatavla district, Mégas Aléxandros ({{lang|el|Μέγας Αλέξανδρος}}) and Ermís ({{lang|el|Ερμής}}) of Galata, and Olympiás ({{lang|el|Ολυμπιάς}}) of Therapia existed to promote Hellenic athletic and cultural ideals. These were amongst a dozen Greek-backed clubs that dominated the sporting landscape of the city in the years preceding World War I. After the war, with the influx of mainly French and British soldiers to Constantinople, many of the city's clubs participated in regular competitions with teams formed by foreign troops. Taxim, Pera, and Tatavla became the scene of weekly competitions in not only football, but also athletics, cycling, boxing, and tennis.

File:Pera Club.jpg is on the left.]]

Football in the city was dominated by Énosis Tatávlon and Ermís. Ermís, one of the most popular sports clubs, was formed in 1875 by the Greek community of Pera (Galata). Known as "Pera" since the mid-1880s, and "The Greek Football Team" when its football department was formed in 1914, it was forced to change its name to "Pera Sports Club", and then "Beyoğluspor Kulübü" in 1923. Many of its athletes, and those of most other sporting clubs, fled during the population exchanges at the end of the Greco-Turkish War, settling in Athens and Thessaloniki.[The history of AEK by Panos Makridis. Athlitiki Iho] Newspaper, 1953

The founders of AEK – a group of Constantinopolitan refugees (among them former athletes from the Pera Sports Club and the other Constantinopolitan clubs) – met at the athletic shop "Lux" owned by Emilios Ionas and Konstantinos Dimopoulos on Veranzerou Street, in the centre of Athens, and created AEK.{{cite web|url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=3014|title=History of AEK: Born through the ashes|publisher=aekfc.gr|access-date=7 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506182411/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=3014|archive-date=6 May 2012}} Their intention was to create a club that provided athletic and cultural diversions for the thousands of predominantly Constantinopolitan and Anatolian refugees who had settled in the new suburbs of Athens (including Nea Filadelfeia, Nea Ionia, Nea Chalkidona, Nea Smyrni).

The first AEK team was: GK: Kitsos, DF: Ieremiadis, DF: Asderis, MF: Kechagias, MF: Paraskevas, MF: Dimopoulos, MF: Karagiannides, FW: Baltas, FW: Milas, FW: Iliades, and FW: Georgiades. AEK played their first match against Aias Athinon in November 1924, winning by 2–0.

AEK's football team grew rapidly in popularity during the 1920s, eclipsing the already-established Athens-based refugee clubs (Panionios, Apollon Smyrnis, etc.), thanks mainly to the large pool of immigrants that were drawn to the club, the significance of the name "Constantinople" for many refugees and Greeks, plus, in no small part, to the political connections and wealth of several of the club's board members. Not possessing a football ground, AEK played most of its early matches at various locations around Athens, including the grounds of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Leoforos Alexandras Stadium.

AEK's first president, Konstantinos Spanoudis(1871–1941),{{cite web|url=https://www.sansimera.gr/biographies/644|title=Konstantinos Spanoudis (1871–1941), biography|publisher=sansimera.gr|language=el}} a journalist and associate of the Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, petitioned the government to set aside land for the establishment of a sports ground. In 1926, land in Nea Filadelfeia, which was originally set aside for refugee housing, was donated as a training ground for the refugees' sports activities. AEK began using the ground for training, albeit unofficially.{{cite web|url=https://www.kosmosnf.gr/2013/10/gipedo-aek-1926/|title=How did AEK build its stadium in Nea Filadelfeia|date=12 October 2013|publisher=kosmosnf.gr|language=el}}

File:Tryfon Tzanetis AEK.jpg]]

In 1928, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and AEK began a dispute with the fledgling Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), decided to break away from the Athens regional league, and formed an alliance called POK. During the dispute, POK organised friendly matches against each other and several continental European clubs. In 1929, though, the dispute ended and AEK, along with the other POK clubs, entered the EPO fold once again.

In 1930, the property where AEK trained was officially signed over to the club. Venizelos soon approved the plans to build what was to become AEK's home ground for the next 70 years, the AEK Stadium. The first home game, in November 1930, was an exhibition match against Olympiacos that ended in a 2–2 draw.{{cite web|url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=3015|title=History of AEK: The first achievements|publisher=aekfc.gr|access-date=7 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506182416/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=3015|archive-date=6 May 2012|url-status=dead}}

In 1932, AEK won their first Greek Cup title, beating Aris 5–3 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.aek365.com/a-426477/kupello-1931-32-o-prwto-titlo-th-aek.htm|title=Greek Cup 1931–32: The first title of AEK!|publisher=aek365.com|lang=el}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aektoday.com/8-november/952-8-11-1931-aek-aris-5-3|title=8/11/1931 AEK – Aris 5–3|publisher=aektoday.com|lang=el|access-date=29 October 2018|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201212745/https://www.aektoday.com/8-november/952-8-11-1931-aek-aris-5-3|url-status=dead}} The team boasted a number of star football players like Kostas Negrepontis (a veteran of the original Pera Club of Constantinople), Kleanthis Maropoulos, Tryfon Tzanetis, Michalis Delavinias, Giorgos Mageiras and Spyros Sklavounos.

The club's mixed success during the 1930s was highlighted by the first Greek Championship and Greek Cup (winning the double) in 1939.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/protathlima-1939-45038.htm?lang=en&path=-926209379|title=The first Greek Championship of AEK in 1939|publisher=aekfc.gr}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/kypello-1939-45037.htm?lang=en&path=1221274257|title=The first Greek Cup of AEK in 1939 and the first double|publisher=aekfc.gr}} Under former player Kostas Negrepontis as head coach, AEK also won the Greek Championship of 1940.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/protathlima-1940-45036.htm?lang=en&path=147532458|title=The Greek Championship of 1940 under former player Kostas Negrepontis as head coach|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

With Kostas Nestoridis scoring goals in the early 1960s (top goalscorer for 5 seasons in row, from 1958 to 1963), and the timely signing of attacker Mimis Papaioannou (the club's all-time top goalscorer and record appearance maker) in 1962, AEK went on to win the 1962–63 championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Spain/Primera/realmadrid/otan-h-aek-arnhthhke-mythikh-protash-ths-real-gia-ton-papaiwannoy.4227669.html|title=When AEK refused a fabulous proposal by Real Madrid for Papaioannou|date=24 August 2016 |publisher=contra.gr|language=el}} Known affectionately as "Mimis" by the AEK supporters, Papaioannou scored twice in the 1963 playoff against Panathinaikos, leveling the score at 3–3 and giving AEK its first post-war championship on goal aggregate. Coached by Hungarian-German Jenő Csaknády, the championship team also consisted of Stelios Serafidis, Miltos Papapostolou, and Andreas Stamatiadis. Youngsters like Alekos Sofianidis, Stelios Skevofilakas, Giorgos Petridis, and Manolis Kanellopoulos played a significant role in the victorious 1963 campaign.

The club followed up with Cup victories in 1964 and 1966. With the return of Csaknády to the coach's position in 1968 and the addition of some great players like Kostas Nikolaidis, Giorgos Karafeskos, Panagiotis Ventouris, Fotis Balopoulos, Spyros Pomonis, Alekos Iordanou, Nikos Stathopoulos and Andreas Papaemmanouil, AEK easily won the 1967–68 championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/protathlima-1968-45029.htm?lang=en&path=1222011544|title=The Championship of 1968|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

In the 1968–69 season AEK, under Yugoslav coach Branko Stanković, became the first Greek football club to reach the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup, but were eliminated by the Czechoslovakian Spartak Trnava.{{cite web|url=https://www.enwsi.gr/retro-aek/i-aek-sta-salonia-tis-evropis-proti-elliniki-omada-sta-proimitelika/|title=AEK in the lounges of Europe, the first Greek team in the quarter-finals!|date=26 February 2020|publisher=enwsi.gr|language=el}}

The addition of goalkeeper Stelios Konstantinidis and Apostolos Toskas reinforced the team, and allowed AEK to take their fifth championship title in 1971.{{cite web|url=https://www.enwsi.gr/retro-aek/197071-i-aek-protathlitria-xana-video-foto/|title=1970/71: AEK is the champion again|date=27 June 2020|publisher=enwsi.gr|language=el}}

File:Dusan Bajevic.jpg]]

Loukas Barlos, a successful industrialist, took over the presidency and financing of AEK in 1974, and with the help of coach František Fadrhonc built one of the finest teams in the club's history.{{cite web|url=http://www.kitrinomavro.gr/aekpedia/2015/05/20/aek-1974-1975/|title=Period 1974–75, the first of Loukas Barlos|publisher=kitrinomavro.gr|language=el}} The Barlos "Golden Era" saw some of the greatest players ever to have played for AEK: Christos Ardizoglou, Giorgos Dedes, Giorgos Skrekis, the Germans Walter Wagner and Timo Zahnleiter, Dionysis Tsamis, Lakis Nikolaou, Petros Ravousis, Dušan Bajević, Takis Nikoloudis, Stefanos Theodoridis, Babis Intzoglou and Nikos Christidis.

Captained by Papaioannou in the 1976–1977 season, AEK reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup competition, the first Greek football club to do so. Beating Dynamo Moscow (Russia) 2–0, Derby County (England) 2–0 and 3–2, Red Star Belgrade (Yugoslavia) 2–0, and QPR (England) 3–0 and 7–6 on penalties, AEK were eventually eliminated by Gianni Agnelli's Juventus. Juventus went on to win their first European title.[http://sport-retro.gr/otan-h-aek-htan-aekara-h-poreia-mexri-ta-hmitelika-toy-kypellou-uefa/ The course of AEK until UEFA Cup semi-finals]

It was during this period that AEK signed one of Greece's finest strikers, Thomas Mavros, the all-time top goalscorer in the Greek Championship. In the following years, he and Dušan Bajević formed a formidable attacking duo for AEK. Mavros was an integral part of the team that reached the UEFA Cup semi-final in 1976, but it was his devastating form (top goalscorer in 1978 and 1979 – 22 and 31 goals, respectively) that helped AEK to win the 1977–78 Championship-Cup double. The addition of former Panathinaikos stars Domazos and Eleftherakis to the AEK squad the following year saw the club cap off their most successful decade to date by winning the 1979 Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/protathlima-1979-45025.htm?lang=en&path=-925472081|title=The Championship of 1979 and its history|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

Under the leadership of Loukas Barlos, the Nikos Goumas Stadium was finally completed with the addition of the iconic covered stand, or Skepasti ({{lang|el|Σκεπαστή}}), which eventually became home to the most fanatic of AEK supporter groups, "Original 21".{{cite web|url=https://sport-retro.gr/otan-skepastike-h-nea-filadelfeia/|title=The day that Nea Philadelphia "covered"|date=6 October 2017|publisher=sport-retro.gr|language=el}} The next generation of star players, fresh out of AEK's Academy, made their debut during this period: Stelios Manolas, Spyros Ikonomopoulos, Vangelis Vlachos, and Lysandros Georgamlis.

With new president Michalis Arkadis and Austrian head coach Helmut Senekowitsch, AEK won the 1983 Greek Cup, beating PAOK 2–0 in the newly built Athens Olympic Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/kypello-1983-45024.htm?lang=en&path=1222011555|title=The Greek Cup of 1983 under Austrian head coach Helmut Senekowitsch|publisher=aekfc.gr}} Thomas Mavros and Vangelis Vlachos were the goalscorers.{{cite web|url=https://www.enwsi.gr/retro-aek/to-kipello-tou-1983-me-60-000-enosites-sto-oaka-video/|title=The 1983 Cup with 60,000 AEK fans in Athens Olympic Stadium|date=29 June 2020|publisher=enwsi.gr|language=el}}

AEK also chased the elusive Championship title and it finally came in 1989. Coached by former player Dušan Bajević, AEK clinched the title after winning a crucial match 1–0 against Olympiacos at the Athens Olympic Stadium. Takis Karagiozopoulos scored the goal that gave AEK its first Championship after ten years.{{cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/Aek/7-5-1989-h-vradia-toy-karagkiozopoyloy-sto-oaka.5187606.html|title=7 May 1989: Karagiozopoulos' night at OAKA|publisher=sport24.gr|language=el}} AEK won also the Greek Super Cup of 1989, beating Panathinaikos on penalties after the match ended in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/souper-kap-1989-45022.htm?lang=en&path=-1999213895|title=Super Cup 1989|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

After the 1989 triumphs, under Bajević, AEK built what was to become one of the most successful teams in its history. Captained by Stelios Manolas, the team, which included Toni Savevski, Daniel Batista, Vaios Karagiannis, Vasilis Dimitriadis, Giorgos Savvidis, Alexis Alexandris, Vasilios Tsiartas, Michalis Kasapis, Refik Šabanadžović and Vasilios Borbokis dominated the Greek league through the 1990s with three successive Championship titles (1992, 1993, and 1994). AEK won the only Greek League Cup ever organised in 1990 (beating Olympiacos 3–2).{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/ligk-kap-1990-45021.htm?lang=en&path=148269757|title=League Cup 1990|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

In 1994–95, AEK became the first Greek football club to participate in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Scottish champions Rangers;{{cite web|url=https://sport-retro.gr/aek-champions-league-salzburg/|title=Salzburg-AEK: The first match of a Greek team in the Champions League|date=14 September 2018|publisher=sport-retro.gr|language=el}} AEK were eliminated by Ajax and AC Milan, who made it to the final. With Michalis Trochanas as president and Dušan Bajević as coach, the club won the Greek Cup in 1996.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/kypello-1996-45017.htm?lang=en&path=1221782161|title=Greek Cup 1996|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

Former player Petros Ravousis took over the coaching position when Dušan Bajević left for Olympiacos at the end of 1996. Ravousis led the team to its second Super Cup in 1996,{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/souper-kap-1996-45016.htm?lang=en&path=148040362|title=Super Cup 1996|publisher=aekfc.gr}} and its eleventh Cup title in 1997, beating Panathinaikos in both finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/kypello-1997-45015.htm?lang=en&path=-925701457|title=Greek Cup 1997|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

By far AEK's most successful run with titles, the period also saw the club sign Temur Ketsbaia and several young, talented players like Demis Nikolaidis,{{cite web|url=http://www.oldfootball.gr/sansimera/item/250-%CE%BF-%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%AD%CE%BC%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CE%B5%CE%BA.html|title=The transfer of Demis Nikolaidis from Apollon Smyrnis to AEK Athens in 1996|publisher=oldfootball.gr|language=el|access-date=29 October 2018|archive-date=29 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029152450/http://www.oldfootball.gr/sansimera/item/250-%CE%BF-%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%AD%CE%BC%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CE%B5%CE%BA.html|url-status=dead}} Christos Kostis, Christos Maladenis and Akis Zikos. Nikolaidis, in particular, an AEK fan since childhood, declined more lucrative offers from Olympiacos and Panathinaikos to sign for his beloved club.{{cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/Longread/ntemhs-nikolaidhs-o-apolytos.4849822.html|title=Demis Nikolaidis: The Absolute|date=17 September 2017 |publisher=contra.gr|language=el}} During the 1996–97 and 1997–98 seasons, AEK progressed to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, where they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/stili/h-mixani-tou-xronou/article/711391/pari-aek-0-0-1997-vids|title=Paris Saint-Germain v AEK 0–0 in 1997|publisher=aekfc.gr|language=el}} and Lokomotiv Moscow.{{cite web|url=https://www.enwsi.gr/retro-aek/i-istoriki-chameni-efkeria-tis-aek-stin-moscha-videofoto/|title=AEK's historic missed opportunity in Moscow|date=19 March 2020|publisher=enwsi.gr|language=el}}

In 1999, ex-president Dimitris Melissanidis organised a friendly match against Partizan in Belgrade, during the height of the NATO bombing of Serbia. As a gesture of compassion and solidarity towards the embattled Serbs, the AEK players and management staff defied the international embargo and traveled to Belgrade for the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/Aek/h-aek-ston-polemo.3400780.html|title=AEK in the war|publisher=sport24.gr|language=el}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/veligradi-1999-to-pio-megalo-taxidi-tis-aek-45103.htm?lang=el&path=-502948783|title=Belgrade 1999: AEK's biggest trip!|publisher=aekfc.gr|language=el}} The game ended 1–1, when after 60 minutes thousands of Serbian football fans invaded the pitch to embrace the footballers.{{cite web|url=https://sport-retro.gr/h-mera-pou-h-aek-nikhse-ton-polemo-adhmosieftes-fwtografies-sto-elliniko-diadiktyo/|title=The day AEK crossed the border, played with Partizan and defeated the war|date=6 April 2017|publisher=sport-retro.gr|language=el}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oldfootball.gr/sansimera/item/138-to-antipolemiko-taksidi-tis-aek.html|title=The anti-war... AEK's trip|publisher=oldfootball.gr|language=el|access-date=29 October 2018|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208025840/http://www.oldfootball.gr/sansimera/item/138-to-antipolemiko-taksidi-tis-aek.html|url-status=dead}}

AEK won its twelfth Cup title in 2000 under coach Giannis Pathiakakis, defeating Ionikos 3–0 in the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/kypello-2000-45014.htm?lang=en&path=1221782179|title=Greek Cup 2000|publisher=aekfc.gr}} The club continued its consistency in the Championship of 2001–02, finishing second on goal difference behind Olympiacos,{{cite web|url=https://www.enwsi.gr/retro-aek/tis-glistrise-protathlima-mesa-apo-ta-cheria-video/|title=AEK... slipped the league through its hands|date=20 April 2016|publisher=enwsi.gr|language=el}} and beating Olympiacos in the Greek Cup final.{{cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/ellada/GreekCup/aek-olympiakos-14-xronia-apo-to-2-1-ston-teliko.4030433.html|title=AEK – Olympiacos 2–1|publisher=sport24.gr|language=el}}

File:20130814 AT-GR Kostas Katsouranis 2377.jpg]]

Dušan Bajević returned as coach in the summer of 2002, a move that sparked open hostility towards Bajević from a section of AEK supporters.{{cite web |title=Bajevic back at AEK |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0185-0f843d345863-86d1a736645f-1000--bajevic-back-at-aek/ |website=UEFA |date=19 May 2002 |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}} A strong team, called Dream Team by the fans, was created with players like Kostas Katsouranis, Ilija Ivić, Dionysis Chiotis, Vasilios Borbokis, Grigoris Georgatos, Theodoros Zagorakis, Walter Centeno, Michalis Kapsis, Michel Kreek, Vasilios Lakis, Vasilios Tsiartas (who returned from Sevilla), Ioannis Okkas, Nikos Liberopoulos and Demis Nikolaidis.

Under Bajević, AEK progressed through the qualifying rounds in the 2002 UEFA Champions League by eliminating APOEL. Drawn in Group A with AS Roma, Real Madrid, and Racing Genk, AEK with good performances drew all their games and were knocked out of the competition. They continued to UEFA Cup, eliminating Maccabi Haifa (4–0, 4–1) before being knocked out by Málaga CF.

Off the field, the presidency of Makis Psomiadis caused many problems for AEK, whose mismanagement put the club into debt. He was also accused of assaulting club captain Demis Nikolaidis and other players with the assistance of his bodyguards.{{cite news|title='Godfathers' of Greek football face crackdown|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/1420859/Godfathers-of-Greek-football-face-crackdown.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/1420859/Godfathers-of-Greek-football-face-crackdown.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2 February 2003|work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}

After the altercation, and partly due to the club's growing financial problems, Nikolaidis left on a free transfer by mutual consent to Atlético Madrid.{{cite web|url=http://atleticodemadridgreekfans.blogspot.com/2017/09/blog-post_20.html|title=Demis Nikolaidis: The biggest Greek rojiblanco|publisher=atleticodemadridgreekfans.blogspot.com|language=el}} Unable to cope with the negativity from a large section of AEK fans,{{cite news|title=Bajevic, insulted by fans, abandons AEK |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/20274/article/ekathimerini/sports/bajevic-insulted-by-fans-abandons-aek|access-date=26 January 2004|work=eKathimerini}} Bajević resigned in 2004 after a match against Iraklis.{{cite web|url=https://www.sdna.gr/monimes-stiles/san-simera/article/289673/san-simera-ta-synthimata-kai-i-2i-apoxorisi-toy-mpagevits|title=The slogans and the second departure of Bajević from AEK's bench|date=25 January 2017|publisher=sdna.gr|language=el}}

In 2004, Demis Nikolaidis and other significant AEK followers formed a supporters' club Enosis 1924 (Union 1924) to motivate all AEK supporters into taking up the club's shares and governance.{{cite web|url=https://sport-retro.gr/demis-nikolaidis-proedros-tis-aek-arthro-44-oaka-2004/|title=August 4, 2004: President of AEK, Demis Nikolaidis|date=4 August 2018|publisher=sport-retro.gr|language=el}} The project was not fully realised because, in the meantime, various businessmen decided to buy shares and invest money in the club. However, to this date, Enosis 1924's chairman is a member of the AEK FC board.{{cite web|url=https://www.in.gr/2003/02/17/sports/gegonos-apotelei-i-etaireia-laikis-basis-enwsi-aek-1924/|title=The folk-based company "Union 1924" it's officially done|date=17 February 2003|publisher=in.gr|language=el|access-date=17 February 2003}} The same year, Nikos Goumas Stadium, AEK's home stadium for over 70 years, was demolished, large parts of it having been damaged by the 1999 Athens earthquake.{{cite web|url=https://www.sdna.gr/monimes-stiles/san-simera/article/197102/san-simera-otan-gkremistike-gipedo-tis-aek-pics-vids|title=When the stadium of AEK was demolished|date=5 May 2016|publisher=sdna.gr|language=el}}

File:1 Sokratis Papastathopoulos (cropped).jpg]]

File:Fernando Santos 2018 (cropped).jpg]]

In 2004, on the back of strong AEK fan support, Nikolaidis, at the head of a consortium of businessmen, bought out the beleaguered club and became the new president. His primary task was to lead AEK out of its precarious financial position. The first success was an arrangement through the Greek judicial system to write off most of the massive debt that previous club administrators had amassed and to repay any remaining public debts in manageable installments.

Securing the club's existence in the Alpha Ethniki, Nikolaidis then began a program to rebuild AEK to its former glory. He appointed experienced former player Ilija Ivić as technical director and brought back Fernando Santos as a coach. The AEK fans, emboldened by Nikolaidis' efforts, followed suit by buying season ticket packages in record numbers (over 17,000).

AEK recruited promising young players to strengthen a depleted team. Led by the experienced Katsouranis and Liberopoulos, and featuring Brazilian Júlio César, the club made it to the Greek Cup final for the seventh time in 13 years but finished second in the Championship, and in the process, secured a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. For the 2006–07 season, former Real Betis coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer was appointed to the coaching position after Fernando Santos' contract was not renewed.{{cite web|url=https://www.in.gr/2006/06/07/sports/football/o-ispanos-ferer-proponitis-tis-aek-gia-ta-epomena-dyo-xronia/|title=The Spanish Ferrer is the new head coach of AEK for the next two years|date=7 June 2006|publisher=in.gr|language=el|access-date=7 June 2006}}

By beating Hearts over both legs (2–1 in Scotland and 3–0 in Greece), AEK progressed to the group stage of the Champions League.{{cite web|url=http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/55984|title=AEK beats Hearts 3–0 in Athens and progressed to the group stage of the Champions League|publisher=sport-fm.gr|language=el|access-date=23 August 2006}} The club obtained a total of 8 points, having beaten AC Milan 1–0, Lille 1–0, and managing two draws with Anderlecht (1–1 in Greece and 2–2 in Belgium). AEK finished second in the Greek Super League, qualifying again for the third round in the UEFA Champions League.{{cite web|url=http://www.kitrinomavro.gr/aekpedia/2015/05/22/aek-2006-2007/|title=Period 2006–07 and the course of AEK in the competitions|publisher=kitrinomavro.gr|language=el}}

For the 2007–08 season AEK changed kit sponsors from Adidas to Puma.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=3234&cpage=2 |title=AEK switch to PUMA |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405093029/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=3234&cpage=2 |archive-date=5 April 2014}} They played with Sevilla FC in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. The first leg was played on 15 August, away at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, where AEK were defeated by 2 goals,[http://www.scorespro.com/soccer/livescore/sevilla-vs-aek-athens/15-08-2007/ Sevilla FC – AEK FC: 2–0] Match report from Scorespro.com and the second leg played on 3 September, at the Athens Olympic Stadium where AEK lost again by 1–4.[http://www.scorespro.com/soccer/livescore/aek-athens-vs-sevilla/03-09-2007/ AEK FC – Sevilla FC : 1–4] Match report from Scorespro.com

File:Rivaldo.jpg]]

AEK completed the signings of Brazilian legend Rivaldo, after he was let free from Olympiacos, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Charis Pappas, and Argentine striker Ismael Blanco. Traianos Dellas was rewarded with a new contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=305&n_id=3188 |title=Dellas signs new contract |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405093405/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=305&n_id=3188 |archive-date=5 April 2014 |url-status=dead}} On 25 August, the Super League and EPO decided to postpone the opening season's games due to the fire disaster in the Peloponnese.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=574997.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011045833/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=574997.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2007 |title=Greece postpone games |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}}[http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1281450,00.html "National Tragedy"]

After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, AEK were drawn to play against FC Salzburg in the UEFA Cup. On 20 September, AEK claimed a home win over Salzburg by the scoreline of 3–0.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15118/match=301417/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012225431/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15118/match=301417/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2007 |title=AEK 3–0 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} In the second leg, played in Salzburg on 4 October, AEK lost the match but still went through 3–1 on aggregate.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15118/match=301457/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919040501/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15118/match=301457/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 September 2007 |title=Salzburg – AEK |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} On 9 October, AEK were drawn in Group C in the UEFA Cup group stage along with Villarreal, Fiorentina, Mladá Boleslav, and Elfsborg.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=600044.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071011020534/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind%3D1/newsid%3D600044.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2007 |title=Past masters meet in group stage |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} On 25 October, AEK kicked off the group stage with a 1–1 draw away to Elfsborg.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15119/match=301611/report=rp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027031846/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15119/match=301611/report=rp.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2007 |title=AEK hold on to frustrate Elfsborg |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} On 29 November, AEK again drew 1–1, this time at home to Fiorentina.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15119/match=301642/report=rp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071130123849/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15119/match=301642/report=rp.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 November 2007 |title=Balzaretti own goal earns AEK a point |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} On 5 December, AEK won Mladá Boleslav 1–0 away[http://www.scorespro.com/soccer/livescore/mlada-boleslav-vs-aek-athens/05-12-2007/ M Boleslav– AEK Athens : 0–1] Match report from ScoresPro.com and on 20 December, AEK were defeated at home with 1–2[http://www.scorespro.com/soccer/livescore/aek-athens-vs-villarreal/20-12-2007/ AEK FC– Villareal : 1–2] Match report from Scorespro.com by Villarreal, but finally booked a place in the knockout stage of the UEFA Cup by finishing third in the group. They were then drawn against Getafe in the third round (phase of 32). AEK advanced to the third round of the UEFA Cup for the second consecutive season.

File:Ismael Blanco 2014.jpg]]

On 12 February, AEK parted company with Lorenzo Serra Ferrer after a poor run of form and unsuccessful signings{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=657089.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080213163015/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=657089.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 February 2008 |title=AEK call time on coach Serra Ferrer |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} and replaced him with former player Nikos Kostenoglou, on a caretaker basis. The team initially finished in first place in the league, but after the court case between Apollon Kalamarias and Olympiacos for the illegal usage of a player in the 1–0 Apollon Kalamarias win earlier in the season, Olympiacos was awarded 3 points, thus finishing 2 points ahead of AEK.{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=16/newsid=685259.html |title=Legal Dispute |access-date=15 May 2008 |date=20 April 2008 |publisher=UEFA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526140338/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind%3D16/newsid%3D685259.html |archive-date=26 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}

President Demis Nikolaidis and several other managers and chairmen were angered with the court's decision, stating that the Hellenic Football Federation knew about the usage of the illegal player prior to the game and had indeed issued a registration (blue card), but didn't do anything about it. Panathinaikos also challenged the result at the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS) with no success, as the Hellenic Federation did not support the claim. Rivaldo had stated his intention to leave Greece if the ruling went in favour of Olympiacos and AEK were not declared champions. He stated, "A team that was not good enough to win the title on the pitch does not deserve the trophy".{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/527822/road-clear-for-olympiakos-to-be-named-champions|title=Road clear for Olympiakos to be named champions|work=espnfc.com|access-date=4 January 2017}}

Giorgos Donis was appointed head coach of AEK on 14 May.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=305&n_id=4184&cpage=1 |title=Giorgos Donis – Head Coach of AEK FC |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405092324/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=305&n_id=4184&cpage=1 |archive-date=5 April 2014 |url-status=dead}} His reign at the club did not go well. It began when AEK failed to defeat AC Omonia in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round, which meant their elimination from European competitions for the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15283/match=303886/report=rp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830012315/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15283/match=303886/report=rp.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 August 2008 |title=Omonia keep the party going in Nicosia |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 June 2012}} Rivaldo asked to leave the club to sign for Bunyodkor on 27 August.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4383 |title=Rivaldo leaves club (Greek) |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324210854/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4383 |archive-date=24 March 2012}}

The league campaign started very well after a win over rivals Panathinaikos in the opening game of the season,{{cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/Panathinaikos/article321416.ece|title=AEK-Panathinaikos 2–1, under the gaze of José Mourinho|publisher=sport24.gr|language=el|access-date=31 August 2008|archive-date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516025325/http://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/Panathinaikos/article321416.ece|url-status=dead}} but poor performances and results from then on left AEK in a difficult situation. Head coach Donis was eager to leave the club, but president Nikolaidis did not allow him to leave. Nevertheless, Nikolaidis left due to disappointing results and after a controversy with the club's supporters, Original 21,{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4584 |title=Nikolaidis Resigns |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324210841/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4584 |archive-date=24 March 2012}} leaving the presidency temporarily to the members of the board of directors, Nikos Koulis, and Takis Kanellopoulos.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4584 |title=Kanellopoulos and Koulis take charge |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324210841/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4584 |archive-date=24 March 2012}}

However, the series of disappointing results continued, bringing anger and insecure situations for everyone on the team. The first to be hit by this wave of disappointment and upset with the team council was coach Donis, who was asked to leave the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=2557 |title=Donis's brief tenure at AEK is over |publisher=Sportingreece.com |date=17 November 2008 |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217162426/http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=2557 |archive-date=17 February 2012 }} On 21 November 2008, AEK hired Dušan Bajević as head coach for third time.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4638 |title=AEK FC sign Dušan Bajević |publisher=Aekfc.gr |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214174700/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4638 |archive-date=14 February 2012}} However, after a while, Takis Kanellopoulos left the club, as he sparked a rivalry with Bajević.

On 4 February 2009, Nikos Thanopoulos was elected as the 41st president of AEK FC.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=2859 |title=Thanopoulos is new AEK president |publisher=Sportingreece.com |date=4 February 2009 |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217162457/http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=2859 |archive-date=17 February 2012 |url-status=dead}} Bajević brought some much-needed stability to the club, and performances on the pitch improved vastly towards the end of the season, culminating in AEK's progression to the Greek Cup final against Olympiacos which was played on 2 May 2009, at Athens Olympic Stadium.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3102 |title=AEK qualify for final |publisher=Sportingreece.com |date=8 April 2009 |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617000715/http://www.sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3102 |archive-date=17 June 2012 |url-status=dead}} AEK lost in the final 14–15 on penalties.{{cite web |url=http://sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3181 |title=Olympiakos win epic final 15–14 on pens |publisher=Sportingreece.com |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-date=26 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426072457/http://sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3181 |url-status=dead }} AEK finished the regular season in fourth position, thus qualifying for the season's playoffs, in which they eventually finished second, just missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification.

In the summer transfer period of 2010, AEK, despite being low on budget, managed to reinforce its ranks with many notable players. Club idols Nikos Liberopoulos and Traianos Dellas signed the last one-year contracts of their careers, and many new and experienced players signed to AEK, the most notable of whom were Papa Bouba Diop, Cristian Nasuti, and Christos Patsatzoglou. AEK qualified for the 2010–11 Europa League group stage after defeating Dundee United 2–1 on aggregate.

File:Eidur Gudjohnsen.jpg]]

On 7 October 2010, Manolo Jiménez agreed to a two-year deal and took over for Bajević.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1314320.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012025924/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1314320.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2010 |title=Jimenez to fill AEK Athens hotseat |publisher=Fifa.com |date=7 October 2010 |access-date=7 June 2012}}

On 30 April 2011, AEK won the Greek Cup for the 14th time, defeating 3–0 Atromitos at the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/cdp/kypello-2011-45012.htm?lang=en&path=-1999443271|title=Greek Cup 2011|publisher=aekfc.gr}}

To compensate for the departures of Nacho Scocco, Papa Bouba Diop, Sebastián Saja, and Ismael Blanco in the summer of 2011, AEK signed the captain of Iceland Eiður Guðjohnsen, and Colombian international Fabián Vargas.{{cite web |title=Gudjohnsen proud to sign for AEK Athens |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01f3-0e78f2c30d56-224689923758-1000--gudjohnsen-proud-to-sign-for-aek-athens |website=UEFA |date=19 July 2011 |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |title=AEK signs former Barcelona star Eidur Gudjohnsen |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/sports/134859/aek-signs-former-barcelona-star-eidur-gudjohnsen |website=ekathimerini.com |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |title=Vargas excited to sign for AEK Athens |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01f4-0e796420e58a-0595f3da48dd-1000--vargas-excited-to-sign-for-aek-athens |website=UEFA |date=27 August 2011 |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}} Due to financial problems, on 25 June 2012, AEK legend Thomas Mavros took over the club's management and on 1 August 2012, became president in an effort to save the club from financial disaster.{{cite web|url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/news/61774/%CE%BF-%CE%B8%CF%89%CE%BC%CE%AC%CF%82-%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%8D%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CE%BF-%CE%BD%CE%AD%CE%BF%CF%82-%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%B5%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%B5-%CE%B1%CE%B5%CE%BA|title=Thomas Mavros is the new president of AEK|publisher=iefimerida.gr|language=el|access-date=1 August 2012}} Many other former AEK players like Vasilis Tsiartas, Mimis Papaioannou, Kostas Nestoridis, Christos Kostis, Vangelis Vlachos, Christos Arvanitis, and Giorgos Karafeskos were hired to help the club return to its previous glory days. Due to bad results, on 30 September 2012, Vangelis Vlachos was fired and Ewald Lienen hired as AEK's head coach. On 9 April 2013, Lienen was fired after disappointing results and AEK hired Traianos Dellas as head coach with Vasilis Borbokis and Akis Zikos as assistants.{{cite web|url=https://www.tanea.gr/2013/04/09/sports/o-dellas-neos-proponitis-tis-aek/|title=Dellas is the new coach of AEK|date=9 April 2013|publisher=tanea.gr|language=el|access-date=9 April 2013}}

On 19 April 2013, a Super League disciplinary committee voted to remove 3 points from AEK and award Panthrakikos a 3–0 win, after fans stormed the pitch and chased players from the field during the AEK–Panthrakikos match on 14 April 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.zougla.gr/sports/article/diakopi-sto-mats-aek-pan8rakikos|title=A black page in the history of AEK|date=14 April 2013 |publisher=zougla.gr|language=el|access-date=14 April 2013}} As a result, AEK were relegated from the Super League to the second-tier Football League for the first time in their history.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/podosfairo/article/393711-aporrifthike-i-efesi-tis-aek|title=AEK relegated!|publisher=gazzetta.gr|language=el|access-date=25 April 2013}} In addition, AEK were to start their Football League campaign with minus 2 points.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1417910/aek-athens-penalized,-relegated-for-1st-time|title=AEK Athens relegated for 1st time |publisher=espnfc.com |date=19 April 2013}}

File:Petros Mantalos.jpg]]

On 7 June 2013, during an AEK council, it was decided that AEK FC would become an amateur football club and would not participate in the Football League division for the 2013–14 season, preferring instead, to self-relegate and participate in the Football League 2 division and start from scratch. On the same day Dimitris Melissanidis, the former president of the club, became administrative leader of the club, under the supervision of Amateur AEK, with the aim of saving the club. Along with other notable AEK fans and old players, they went on to create the non-profit association Independent Union of Friends of AEK ({{langx|el|Ανεξάρτητη Ένωση Φίλων ΑΕΚ}}; Anexártiti Énosi Fίlon AEK) which took the majority stake of the football club.[https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/07/10/soccer-aek-athens-prepare-to-start-from-scratch-after-bankruptcy/ Soccer-AEK Athens prepare to start from scratch after bankruptcy]{{cite web|url=http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Hellas/BEth/aek/megalometoxos-ths-pae-h-enwsh-filwn-aek.3296244.html|title=Mεγαλομέτοχος της ΠΑΕ η Ένωση Φίλων ΑΕΚ|work=contra.gr|date=9 February 2015 |access-date=4 January 2017}}

File:Malaga trenning (1).jpg]]

AEK began its revival by signing Traianos Dellas as their new head coach.{{cite web |last1=Ακάλεστος |first1=Θεόδωρος |title=Ο Δέλλας νέος προπονητής της ΑΕΚ |url=https://www.tanea.gr/2013/04/09/sports/o-dellas-neos-proponitis-tis-aek |website=tanea.gr |date=9 April 2013 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}}{{cite web |title=Ο Δέλλας νέος προπονητής στην ΑΕΚ |url=https://www.a-sports.gr/articles-14849/o-della-neo-proponhth-sthn-aek.htm#.Yy2SzXZBy3A |website=a-sports.gr |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}} Dellas led AEK to first place in the third national division with a record of 23 wins, 3 draws, and only one defeat.{{cite web|url=http://www.ertopen.com/news/item/19510-anebhke-sth-b%CE%84-ethnikh-h-aek|title=AEK promoted to the Football League|publisher=ertopen.com|language=el|access-date=27 April 2014}} The following year AEK participated in the 2014–15 Football League, finishing first and undefeated in the regular season standings. AEK successfully finished first in the playoffs and gained promotion back to the top tier, the Greek Super League.{{cite web|url=https://www.protothema.gr/sports/article/479000/i-aek-epestrepse-stin-souper-liga/|title=AEK returned to the Super League!|date=25 May 2015|publisher=protothema.gr|language=el|access-date=25 May 2015}} The club's biggest signing after returning to the Greek Super League was that of Argentinian star Diego Buonanotte, who only stayed at the club for a year.{{cite web |title=Buonanotte set to sign at AEK |url=https://www.sdna.gr/news-english/article/59353/buonanotte-set-sign-aek |website=sdna.gr |date=12 August 2015 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |title=Buonanotte set to leave AEK this summer |url=https://www.sdna.gr/news-english/article/215300/buonanotte-set-leave-aek-summer |website=sdna.gr |date=24 June 2016 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}}

On 20 October 2015, Traianos Dellas was forced to resign as a result of a dispute with the board, and a heavy 4–0 away loss to Olympiacos.{{cite web |last1=Γιαχανατζής |first1=Δημήτρης |title=Τέλος ο Δέλλας από την ΑΕΚ |url=https://www.ertnews.gr/athlitismos/telos-o-dellas-apo-tin-aek |website=ertnews.gr |date=20 October 2015 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}}{{cite web |title=Παραιτήθηκε ο Δέλλας από την ΑΕΚ - Υπηρεσιακός ο Στέλιος Μανωλάς |url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/news/231849/paraitithike-o-dellas-apo-tin-aek-ypiresiakos-o-stelios-manolas |website=iefimerida.gr |date=20 October 2015 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}} Stelios Manolas was named interim coach and later Gus Poyet was appointed as new head coach.{{cite web |title=Τέλος ο Δέλλας από τον πάγκο της ΑΕΚ, αναλαμβάνει ο Μανωλάς |url=https://www.tovima.gr/2015/10/20/sports/telos-o-dellas-apo-ton-pagko-tis-aek-analambanei-o-manwlas |website=tovima.gr |date=20 October 2015 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}}{{cite web |last1=Da Silva |first1=Michael |title=GUS POYET APPOINTED AEK ATHENS MANAGER |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/uruguayan-poyet-appointed-aek-athens-manager_sto4970559/story.shtml |website=eurosport.com |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |title=CONFIRMED! Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet returns to management with AEK Athens |url=https://talksport.com/football/339135/confirmed-former-sunderland-boss-gus-poyet-returns-management-aek-athens-151029172396 |website=talksport.com |date=29 October 2015 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |author1=ESPN |title=AEK Athens hire former Sunderland manager Gus Poyet |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/aek-athens/story/2688399/aek-athens-hire-former-sunderland-manager-gus-poyet |website=espn.com |date=29 October 2015 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}} On 19 April, Poyet was fired by AEK Athens after being accused by the board of revealing private club conversations.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Graham |title=AEK owner lashes out at 'immoral' Poyet |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-greece-aek-poyet-idUKKCN0XH0LK |website=reuters.com |date=20 April 2016 |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |last1=Choros |first1=Evgenia |title=Football Coach Gustavo Poyet Fired by AEK |url=https://greekreporter.com/2016/04/20/football-coach-gustavo-poyet-fired-by-aek |website=greekreporter.com |access-date=23 September 2022 |location=Online}} Stelios Manolas took charge as interim coach once again. Manolas managed to guide AEK to a 3rd-place finish in the league qualifying for the playoff round and also to their first piece of silverware since the 2010–11 season by lifting the Greek Cup, defeating Olympiacos in the final 2–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/telikos-kypellou-elladas-olympiakos-aek-20-30-47794.htm?lang=en&path=-637531542|title=AEK won Greek Cup! < NEWS - AEK F.C. official website|work=aekfc.gr|access-date=4 January 2017}} With the postponement of the final on two separate occasions and the congested fixture list of the playoff round, AEK had to play a fixture every three days, which evidently took its toll on the players, but they finished third in the playoffs and qualified for the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round. The first season back in the top flight was considered a success with a trophy and qualification for European football the following season, a return after a five-year hiatus.

File:Dmytro Chygrynskyi (cropped).jpg]]

File:Joleon Lescott 20120611.jpg]]

The new season started with high expectations by AEK Athens fans as the club signed Dmytro Chyhrynskyi, Hugo Almeida and Joleon Lescott, announcing three of the biggest transfers in their history.{{cite web |last1=Kaperonis |first1=Sarantos |title=AEK COMPLETES 2ND SIGNING WITH CHYGRYNSKIY |url=https://www.agonasport.com/agonasport-allnews/2016/6/12/aek-completes-2nd-signing-with-chygrynskiy |website=agonasport.com |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914235437/https://www.agonasport.com/agonasport-allnews/2016/6/12/aek-completes-2nd-signing-with-chygrynskiy |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last1=Treadwell |first1=Matthew |title=Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott joins AEK Athens on two-year deal |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/10556926/aston-villa-defender-joleon-lescott-joins-aek-athens-on-two-year-deal |website=skysports.com |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |title=Lescott joins AEK |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/sports/211553/lescott-joins-aek |website=ekathimerini.com |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}} Unfortunately, the 34-year-old English defender suffered a knee detached cartilage while cycling in his apartment. The injury ruled Lescott out for the remainder of the season. The player refused to get help from the team's doctors and insisted on completing his rehabilitation in the United Kingdom. The board did not agree to the player's wishes and additional demands, which resulted in his contract being terminated.{{cite web |title=Joleon Lescott leaves AEK Athens after less than three months |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/aek-athens/story/3003762/ex-england-defender-joleon-lescott-leaves-aek-athens-after-less-than- |website=espn.com |date=24 November 2016 |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}} This outcome led what it until then seemed to be a powerful defending duo to a midsummer night's nightmare. In addition, a 0–1 aggregate loss to AS Saint-Étienne in the Europa League qualifiers brought disappointment to fans' dreams of European participation.{{cite web |title=AEK (GRE) 0 - 1 St-Étienne (FRA) |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2020397--aek-vs-st-etienne |website=UEFA |access-date=14 September 2022 |location=Online}} Nevertheless, AEK defeated Xanthi 4–1 in the first match of the season, raising hopes for domestic success.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/article/978309/aek-xanthi-4-1|title=First match in the Super League of 2016|publisher=gazzetta.gr|language=el|access-date=11 September 2016}} However, the decision was made to replace Temur Ketsbaia with José Morais;[http://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/symfonia-me-zoze-morais-48945.htm?lang=en&path=999364705 José Morais new head coach] the decision was based on the team's stuttering start to the season, 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, and poor displays. José's arrival, however, did not improve the team's results or performances, winning only three of his fourteen matches as manager. On 19 January 2017, former manager Manolo Jiménez was appointed as manager for the second time following José's resignation.{{cite web|url=https://www.naftemporiki.gr/story/1195672/aek-ximeneth-kai-me-ti-boula|title=AEK: Jiménez officially back|date=19 January 2017|publisher=naftemporiki.gr|language=el|access-date=19 January 2017}} Upon his appointment he got the team from 7th place up to a 4th-place finish, and first place in the European Playoffs, claiming second place in the league overall and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League Third qualifying round. Jiménez also guided the team to a second consecutive Greek Cup final where they faced PAOK in a controversial game marred by pre-match violence between the two sets of fans and a winning goal from an offside position.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/sports/arthro/2691588/paretithike-telika-o-epoptis-pou-ekane-to-lathos-ston-teliko-kipellou|title=The supervisor who made the mistake in the Greek Cup final resigned|publisher=newsbeast.gr|language=el|access-date=12 May 2015}}

File:Manolo Jimenez CSKA Moscow.jpg]]

The third season back in the top flight began with a tough draw in the Champions League Third qualifying round versus CSKA Moscow, ending in a 3–0 aggregate loss. The defeat meant AEK were demoted to the Europa League play-off round where they were pitted against Belgians Club Brugge. A 0–0 draw in Brugge in the first leg and a 3–0 win in the return in Athens meant that AEK qualified for the group stages of a major European competition for the first time in 6 years.{{cite web|url=http://greekmoney.gr/%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%AC-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C-6-%CF%87%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%B7-%CE%B1%CE%B5%CE%BA-%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CF%81%CE%AD%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%B9-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82/|title=After 6 years, AEK returns to the UEFA Europa League group stage|publisher=greekmoney.gr|language=el|access-date=14 September 2017|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914151228/http://greekmoney.gr/%ce%bc%ce%b5%cf%84%ce%ac-%ce%b1%cf%80%cf%8c-6-%cf%87%cf%81%cf%8c%ce%bd%ce%b9%ce%b1-%ce%b7-%ce%b1%ce%b5%ce%ba-%ce%b5%cf%80%ce%b9%cf%83%cf%84%cf%81%ce%ad%cf%86%ce%b5%ce%b9-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%82/|url-status=dead}} They were seeded in pot 4 and drawn along with AC Milan, HNK Rijeka and Austria Wien. AEK would go on to qualify for the round of 32 undefeated, a statement that solidified their return as one of Europe's elite teams, with a record of 1 win and 5 draws, the most notable being the two back-to-back 0–0 draws versus AC Milan.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/europa-league-table/2017|title=Europa League – Group D 2017/18|publisher=skysports.com}} In the Round of 32 AEK were drawn against Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv. AEK were better than their opponents, but also were unlucky and lost after two draws and on away goal rule. The first match took place in Athens, with a 1–1 draw and the second game in Kyiv, finished 0–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2022178--dynamo-kyiv-vs-aek-athens/|title=Dynamo Kyiv-AEK 0–0|publisher=UEFA|access-date=22 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2022162--aek-athens-vs-dynamo-kyiv/|title=AEK-Dynamo Kyiv 1–1|publisher=UEFA|access-date=15 February 2018}} In April, AEK won their 12th Greek championship, by recording a 2–0 home win against Levadiakos in front of 60,000 fans. This was their first championship after 24 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.protothema.gr/sports/article/780967/aek/|title=AEK-Levadiakos 2–0: AEK's champion in front of 60,000 fans|work=protothema.gr|date=22 April 2018|access-date=22 April 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/superleague/article/1222296/aek-levadeiakos-2-0|title=Bakasetas scores the goals of historical win|work=gazzetta.gr|access-date=22 April 2018}} AEK were crowned champions in front of 14,500 of their fans in the last matchday against Apollon Smyrnis at Georgios Kamaras Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.myvolos.net/%CE%BA%CE%B9%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BD%CF%8C%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B7-%CE%B7-%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B6%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B7-%CE%B7-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AD%CF%88%CE%B7-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82/|title=Rizoupoli in "Yellow-Blacks"-The coronation of AEK in pictures|work=myvolos.net|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190806/http://www.myvolos.net/%CE%BA%CE%B9%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BD%CF%8C%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B7-%CE%B7-%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B6%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B7-%CE%B7-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AD%CF%88%CE%B7-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://sportdog.gr/sports/podosfairo/article/452841/live-h-fiesta-ths-aek-se-rizoypolh-kai-nea-filadelfeia|title=AEK's historical fiesta – Everything from the unforgettable celebration|work=sportdog.gr|date=6 May 2018 |access-date=6 May 2018}}

The 2018–19 season was the season that AEK returned to the groups of the UEFA Champions League, for the 5th time in the club's history after eliminating Celtic (3–2 on aggregate) and MOL Vidi (3–2 on aggregate) in the qualifying stages.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Ron |title=AEK Athens 2-1 Celtic (agg 3-2): Goals in either half end Champions League dream for Brendan Rodgers |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/11472796/aek-athens-2-1-celtic-agg-3-2-goals-in-either-half-end-champions-league-dream-for-brendan-rodgers |website=skysports.com |access-date=9 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |author1=ESPN |title=Celtic bounced from Champions League by AEK Athens; Benfica reach playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/uefa-champions-league/story/3597270/celtic-bounced-from-champions-league-by-aek-athens-benfica-reach-playoffs |website=espn.com |date=14 August 2018 |access-date=9 September 2022 |location=Online}}{{cite web |author1=ESPN |title=Ajax, Young Boys, AEK Athens reach Champions League group stage |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/uefa-champions-league/story/3615921/uefa-champions-league-ajaxyoung-boysaek-athens-reach-group-stage |website=espn.com |date=28 August 2018 |access-date=9 September 2022 |location=Online}}

Led by former Panathinaikos' manager, Marinos Ouzounidis, AEK were drawn in Group E against Bayern Munich, Benfica and Ajax but failed to make an impact after losing all six matches.{{cite web |author1=ESPN |title=UEFA Champions League Table 2018-19 |url=https://www.espn.ph/football/table/_/league/UEFA.CHAMPIONS/season/2018 |website=espn.ph |access-date=9 September 2022 |location=Online}}

Key players Jakob Johansson, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, Sergio Araujo and Ognjen Vranješ, as well as manager Manolo Jiménez, who were essential to the triumphant 2017–18 season, left the club, and most transfers failed to improve the team. Greek international Marios Oikonomou and Argentine striker Ezequiel Ponce were the only newcomers who managed to make an impact on an overall disappointing season (3rd place, 23 points behind 1st PAOK and 18 points behind 2nd Olympiacos – third consecutive cup final loss from PAOK, 1–0).{{cite web |title=Συνολικά στατιστικά ομάδων 2018-19 |url=https://www.slgr.gr/el/statistics/tables/teams/17/79 |website=slgr.gr |access-date=15 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}}

2017–18 champions, Ognjen Vranješ and Sergio Araujo returned to Athens, and some other notable additions included Portuguese international Nélson Oliveira and Serbian midfielder Nenad Krstičić. The 2019–20 season started catastrophically, with an early Europa League elimination by the Turkish side Trabzonspor (1–3 in Athens, 0–2 in Trabzon, 3–3 on aggregate) and disappointing domestic results. New manager Miguel Cardoso was sacked quickly and replaced with the club's veteran player and manager, Nikos Kostenoglou who was also later replaced by Italian manager Massimo Carrera.{{Cite web |date=12 August 2019 |title=AEK Athens name Italian Carrera coach |url=https://www.mondefootball.fr/nouvelles/_n3887527_/aek-athens-name-italian-carrera-coach/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=mondefootball.fr}}

Under Carrera, AEK regained the confidence lost from the previous season and a half of bad results. Before the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, AEK was 3rd in the regular season and in the semi-finals of the Greek Cup (2–1 home victory against Aris in the first leg). Later they would reach the final for the fifth time in a row. However, they lost 1–0 to Olympiacos.

After the draw for the Europa League third qualifying round, AEK Athens got VfL Wolfsburg at the Play-off round and won 2–1 at the Athens Olympic Stadium, securing qualification to the Group stage.{{cite web |title=AEK (GRE) 2–1 Wolfsburg (GER) |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2030545/ |website=UEFA |access-date=2 October 2020}}

However, AEK's campaign results in the Europa League as well as the first half of the domestic Superleague were lackluster, the European campaign being one of their worst ever, only recording 1 win in the group stages. In December, Massimo Carrera was relieved of his duties and replaced by Manolo Jiménez, previous Super League and Greek Cup winner with AEK – his fourth term at the club.{{cite web |author1=ΤοΒΗΜΑ Team |title=Επίσημο: Επέστρεψε στην ΑΕΚ ο Μανόλο Χιμένεθ |url=https://www.tovima.gr/2020/12/27/sports/episimo-epestrepse-stin-aek-o-manolo-ximeneth |website=tovima.gr |date=27 December 2020 |access-date=9 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}}{{cite web |author1=TANEA Team |title=Επίσημο: Επέστρεψε στην ΑΕΚ ο Μανόλο Χιμένεθ |url=https://www.tanea.gr/2020/12/27/sports/episimo-epestrepse-stin-aek-o-manolo-ximeneth |website=tanea.gr |date=27 December 2020 |access-date=9 September 2022 |location=Online |language=Greek}}

File:Djibril Sidibé World Cup Trophy.jpg]]

File:Vida Dynamo 2015.jpg]]

Hoping to rebuild, AEK acquired the services of Vladan Milojević. However, his tenure ended early, with AEK Athens being disqualified on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina club, Velež Mostar in 2021–22 Europa Conference League second qualifying round.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2032836/|title=Velež (BIH) 2 - 1 AEK (GRE)|website=UEFA|access-date=9 September 2022|location=Online}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2032890/|title=AEK (GRE) 1 - 0 Velež (BIH) (2-3p)|website=UEFA|access-date=9 September 2022|location=Online}} Barely making it to Christmas, Milojevic's head was turned by an offer from the Middle East, and AEK sacked him. They hired the Greek coach Argiris Giannikis, who managed PAS Giannina successfully prior to his appointment. However, his time at AEK was short and once again, he was sacked, with AEK B coach Sokratis Ofrydopoulos managing AEK through the turbulent play-off period and an exclusion from Europe. It was at this time that AEK searched for a new coach, and found one in the form of Matías Almeyda.

Ahead of the 2022–23 season and AEK's entry into Agia Sophia Stadium, AEK underwent another rebuild under the leadership of Matias Almeyda. Signed as coach towards the end of the 2021–22 season but only taking over in the 2022–23 pre-season, Almeyda played a huge part in AEK's 2022–23 success. Instilling a high-pressing, tireless, and attractive style of attacking football, he established AEK quickly as the best team in Greece along with Panathinaikos, themselves under the leadership of Ivan Jovanovic. Despite initial losses, Almeyda gave AEK great derby victories and team cohesion. Overcoming Panathinaikos' fantastic early-season unbeaten run, being 8 points behind the league leaders, AEK were level on points with Panathinaikos in the playoff round. Notably, AEK defeated PAOK 2–0 at home, 1–0 away, Panathinaikos 1–0, Olympiacos 3–0 in the Greek Cup (reaching the final with PAOK), and 3–1 away. They also underwent a 14-game win-streak at their new stadium, the Agia Sofia or OPAP Arena stadium.

The newly built stadium is located in the place where the old Nikos Goumas Stadium was situated, at Nea Filadelfeia. The Agia Sophia Stadium, also known as OPAP Arena for sponsoring reasons, is a category 4 UEFA stadium and can host 32,500 spectators. The net construction cost is estimated around € 81,700,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Hellas/Superleague/aek/olo-to-sxedio-xrhmatodothshs-toy-ghpedoy-ths-aek.2677261.html|title=Όλο το σχέδιο χρηματοδότησης του γηπέδου της ΑΕΚ|date=7 March 2013|access-date=28 August 2015|lang=el|trans-title=The whole plan of funding for A.E.K stadium}} The administrative region of Attica funded the stadium with the amount of € 20,000,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Hellas/Superleague/aek/perifereia-attikhs-20-ek-eyrw-gia-to-neo-ghpedo-ths-aek.2301917.html|title=Περιφέρεια Αττικής: "20 εκ. ευρώ για το νέο γήπεδο της ΑΕΚ"|date=20 June 2013|access-date=28 August 2015|lang=el|trans-title=Administrative Region of Attica: "20 million for A.E.K stadium"}} The stadium's opening ceremony took place on 30 September 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/athletics/562019404/aek-stis-30-septemvrioy-ta-egkainia-toy-neoy-gipedoy|title=ΑΕΚ: Στις 30 Σεπτεμβρίου τα εγκαίνια του νέου γηπέδου|website=kathimerini.gr|date=30 August 2022 |access-date=9 September 2022|location=Online|lang=el}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/superleague1/aek-egkainia/4328212|title=Η ΑΕΚ επέστρεψε στο «σπίτι» της, σε βραδιά-όνειρο|website=sport-fm.gr|access-date=3 October 2022|location=Online|lang=el}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/superleague1/aek-olo-to-bideo-twn-egkainiwn-tis-agia-sofias-Opap-Arena/4328407|title=Ολόκληρο το βίντεο των εγκαινίων της «Αγια-Σοφιάς - OPAP Arena»: Δείτε ξανά τη μεγάλη γιορτή!|website=sport-fm.gr|access-date=3 October 2022|location=Online|lang=el}} AEK Athens beat Ionikos 4–1 in the inaugural match on 3 October 2022, which was the sixth fixture of the 2022–23 Greek Super League.{{cite web|url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/superleague1/aek-iwnikos-4-1/4328915|title=Επιστροφή στο σπίτι με τεσσάρα για την εκκωφαντική ΑΕΚ!|last1=Μουσουράκης |first1=Μανώλης|website=sport-fm.gr|access-date=3 October 2022|location=Online|lang=el}}

In the summer transfer window of the 2022–23 season, AEK Athens announced the signing of two famous football players who played as opponents in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia. The first player was the Croatian center-back Domagoj Vida who previously played for Süper Lig side Beşiktaş, and the second player was the French right-back Djibril Sidibé, most recently of Ligue 1 club Monaco.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/stin-aek-o-ntomagkoi-vinta-128101.htm?lang=en&path=1629508024|title=Domagoj Vida signed for AEK FC!|website=aekfc.gr|access-date=31 July 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/stin-aek-o-tzimpril-sintimpe-128249.htm?lang=en&path=557224377|title=Djibril Sidibe signed for AEK FC!|website=aekfc.gr|access-date=9 September 2022|location=Online}} The latter was the most valuable player to have ever arrived at the club with a market value of € 8,000,000, surpassing the previous record holder Juanfran by € 2,000,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.aek365.org/a-879996/prwto-thema-sto-transfermarkt-h-metagrafh-sintimpe-sthn-aek.htm|title=Πρώτο θέμα στο Transfermarkt η μεταγραφή Σιντιμπέ στην ΑΕΚ|website=aek365.org|access-date=9 September 2022|location=Online|lang=el}} Sidibé is also the fifth World Cup winner to play in the Greek Super League, after Frenchman Christian Karembeu and Brazilian stars Rivaldo, Gilberto Silva and Denilson.{{cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.gr/football/superleague/2148909/tzimpril-sintimpe-o-5os-oi-pagkosmioi-protathlites-poy-kosmisan|title=Τζιμπρίλ Σιντιμπέ ο... 5ος: Οι Παγκόσμιοι Πρωταθλητές που κόσμησαν το ελληνικό πρωτάθλημα|website=gazzetta.gr|last1=Χάλαρης|first1=Νότης|access-date=12 September 2022|location=Online|lang=el}}

AEK Athens were crowned champions on 14 May 2023, after beating Volos 4–0 to seal the title, 5 points ahead of second place Panathinaikos. AEK Athens thus won their 13th championship and the first in Nea Filadelfeia since 1994. On 25 May 2023, AEK Athens defeated PAOK 2–0 in the 2022–23 Greek Cup final to win the title and seal the double for the first time since 1978. The following season, AEK Athens went head-to-head throughout the whole season against PAOK, and ended up losing a potential second consecutive title, on the final game of the season, staying two points behind the first place. They lost in the Round of 16 of the Greek Cup against Aris on penalties, and got eliminated in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, against AFC Ajax, Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and Olympique de Marseille.

Following an ultimately disappointing season for AEK and a missed chance to win a second consecutive league title, major shareholder and owner Dimitris Melissanidis announced his departure from the club's ownership on June 10th, 2024, selling his shares to Seajets owner, Marios Iliopoulos for a seeming €90 million. At his final interview, Melissanidis stated that he "had completed his part and brought AEK back to the top, with a new stadium, a competitive team in Greek and European football, and zero debt".

At Iliopoulos presentation, AEK fans got a taste of what his vision was for the club, as he stated he wants a competitive team that will dominate Greek football and become a significant European power, while also focusing on the one thing AEK was lacking in, their academies. On a question regarding an increase on the transfer budget and a change on the current transfer policy, he urged AEK fans to "put on their seatbelts slowly and enjoy it". Not long after, Iliopoulos backed his words up with actions, selling Ezequiel Ponce for a club record €9,000,000, while signing renowned players like Roberto Pereyra, Erik Lamela and Thomas Strakosha with club record contract fees.

The season, however, started with an early elimination of AEK from the Conference Cup by FC Noah.{{cite web |title=AEK: €350,000 Fine Imposed on Players by Iliopoulos |url=https://en.protothema.gr/2024/08/27/aek-e350000-fine-imposed-on-players-by-iliopoulos/ |website=protothema |date=27 August 2024 |access-date=30 August 2024}}

On 19 September 2024, the club announced ex Manchester United player, Anthony Martial, on a three-year deal.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2024 |title=Έσκασε το μπαμ με Μαρσιάλ: «Ευκαιρία για εμένα η ΑΕΚ» |url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/superleague1/aek-anakoinwse-ton-adoni-marsial-eukairia-gia-emena-i-aek/5006050 |website=sport-fm.gr |language=el |quote=Το super deal με τον Αντονί Μαρσιάλ επισημοποίησε η ΑΕΚ! Οι «κιτρινόμαυροι» ανακοίνωσαν την απόκτηση του Γάλλου σούπερ σταρ, ο οποίος υπέγραψε συμβόλαιο διάρκειας 3 ετών.}} This is the club's highest valued player arrival, with an estimate of €10m. In October 2024 they announced the signing of Javier Ribalta as their new Executive Director.{{Cite web |last=uploader |date=2024-10-08 |title=' Ultimately Javier Ribalta is the new AEK football director... |url=https://athens-times.com/ultimately-javier-ribalta-is-the-new-aek-football-director/ |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Athens Times |language=en-US}}

File:Device of the Palaiologos Dynasty.svg dynasty and Byzantium emblem]]

In 1924, AEK adopted the image of a double-headed eagle ({{lang|el|Δικέφαλος Αετός}}; Dikéfalos Aetós) as their emblem. Created by Greek refugees from Constantinople in the years following the Greco-Turkish War and subsequent population exchange, the emblem and colours (yellow and black) of AEK were chosen as a reminder of lost homelands; they represent the club's historical ties to Constantinople. The double-headed eagle is featured in the flag of the various entities of the Greek Orthodox Church, whose headquarters are in Constantinople, and served as Imperial emblem under the Palaiologos dynasty, which was the last one to rule the Byzantine Empire.

AEK's main emblem underwent numerous minor changes between 1924 and 1982. The design of the eagle on the shirt badge was often not identical to the design of the eagle depicted on official club correspondence, merchandise, and promotional material. All designs were considered "official" (in the broadest sense of the word), however, it was not until 1982 that an identifiable, copyrighted design was established as the club's official, and shirt badge. The emblem design was changed in 1989, again in 1993, and again in 2013 to the current design.{{cite web|url=http://oneloveaek.blogspot.com/2014/09/blog-post.html|title=The story of an emblem|publisher=oneloveaek.blogspot.com|language=el|access-date=1 September 2014}}

AEK's club anthem, Embrós tis AEK Palikária (Advance AEK's Lads), was composed by Stelios Kazantzidis.{{cite web|url=http://sportdog.gr/sports/podosfairo/article/476410/h-latreia-toy-kazantzidh-gia-thn-aek-ndash-o-ymnos-ths-enwshs-kai-h-paraligo-hellip-kloph-toy-papa-wannoy|title=The worship of Kazantzidis for AEK – The anthem of the Union|date=14 September 2018 |publisher=sportdog.gr|language=el}} The lyrics were written by Christos Kolokotronis. The most popular version of the anthem is sung by ex-football player Mimis Papaioannou.{{cite web|url=http://www.onsports.gr/Podosfairo/Podosfairo-Afierwmata/item/47068-Anastenazoyn-ta-gkolpost%E2%80%A6|title=AEK's anthem|date=12 April 2011|publisher=Onsports.gr|language=el}}

The colours of yellow/gold and black were adopted due to AEK's connections with Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire.{{cite web |url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=319 |title=Colours info |work=aekfc.gr |access-date=20 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331113307/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=319 |archive-date=31 March 2008 |url-status=dead}}

AEK have almost always worn predominantly gold or yellow shirts and black shorts.{{cite web|url=http://www.aek-live.gr/afieroma-stis-faneles-tis-aek/|title=The story of kit of AEK|date=5 June 2018|publisher=aek-live.gr|language=el}} An exception was the unusual but popular Kappa kits of the 1990s, which featured a large two-headed eagle motif across the kit.{{cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/multimedia/videos/h-kaluterh-fanela-ths-aek-olwn-twn-epoxwn.1540652.html|title=The best jersey of AEK, of all time|date=17 December 2011 |publisher=contra.gr|language=el}}

AEK's traditional away colours are all-black or all-white; on a few occasions, the club has worn a third kit of light blue, silver, dark red, or Tyrian purple (porphyra, a type of reddish purple), inspired by the use of the colour on the Byzantine war flag and by Byzantine imperial dynasties.[http://portfolio.contra.gr/faneles-aek Φανέλες ΑΕΚ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029043344/http://portfolio.contra.gr/faneles-aek |date=29 October 2015 }}

Since 1 June 2021, AEK's kit has been manufactured by Nike. Previous manufacturers have been Adidas (1974–75, 1977–83 and 2005–07), Zita Hellas (1983–89), Diadora (1989–93), Basic (1993–95), Kappa (1995–2000), Puma (1975–77 and 2007–15) and Capelli (2018–21).

Starting in 2015, the club's main shirt sponsors are OPAP, which also sponsored them in 2010–14. Previous shirt sponsors have been Citizen (1982–83), Nissan (1983–85), Ethniki Asfalistiki (1985–93 and 1995–96), Phoenix Asfaleies (1993–95), Geniki Bank (1996–98), Firestone (1999), Marfin Investment Group (1999–2001), Alpha Digital (2001–02), Piraeus Bank (2002–04), TIM (2004–06), LG (2006–08), Diners Club (2009–10), and Jeep (2014–15).

File:AEK Shirt 2nd and 3rd 2008-2009.jpg

Loukas Barlos, a successful bauxite Mine Owner, was also owner and president since 1974, and was in charge when Greek football turned professional in 1979. In 1981, due to health problems, he passed his shares to Andreas Zafiropoulos.{{cite web|url=https://www.enwsi.gr/retro-aek/epochi-zita-stin-aek/|title="Zita" era in AEK|date=31 August 2020|publisher=enwsi.gr|language=el}} In 1982 the business shipping magnate Michalis Arkadis became president, aiming to reinforce financial support, with Zafiropoulos holding the majority stake. In 1988, Zafiropoulos placed Efstratios Gidopoulos in the presidency, and AEK managed to win their first championship in ten years.{{cite web|url=http://www.kitrinomavro.gr/aekpedia/2015/05/22/aek-1988-1989/|title=Period 1988/89 and management changes|publisher=kitrinomavro.gr|language=el}}

On 17 June 1992, the club passed to new owners. The business shipping magnate and oil tycoon Dimitris Melissanidis, together with Giannis Karras, took the majority stake and continued the successful and champion seasons.{{cite web|url=http://www.aek-live.gr/otan-melissanidis-karras-agorasan-ti/|title=When Melissanidis-Karras "bought" AEK|date=17 June 2019|publisher=aek-live.gr|language=el}}

After an unsuccessful season, in 1995, they passed their shares to Michalis Trochanas, and with his turn a percentage to ENIC Group investment company. In 1999, NETMED, a Dutch media company, took over the management of the club. A crisis period followed with mismanagement and many changes in the presidency. In 2004, ex-AEK player Demis Nikolaidis made a plan to progress with the reorganization and financial consolidation, and together with other investors (such as Nicholas X. Notias, Gikas Goumas, Takis Kanellopoulos, a shareholder of Titan Cement, and others) took the majority stake.{{cite web|url=http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/29929|title=The "Nikolaidis Group" is revealed...|publisher=sport-fm.gr|language=el|access-date=13 November 2005}}

The plan initially seemed to work, but the downfall continued. The team was relegated after the 2012–13 season for the first time in its history. In an effort to discharge the immense debt created by years of mismanagement, its directors chose for the team to compete in the third tier. On the same day Dimitris Melissanidis, the old president of the club, became the administrative leader of AEK, under the supervision of the amateur AEK Later, together with other notable AEK fans and old players, they created the non-profit association "Union Friends of AEK" (Enosi Filon AEK) which took the majority stake of the football club.

In March 2015, AEK FC became the first Greek company that is listed in the Elite programme of the London Stock Exchange, a pan-European programme for ambitious high-growth businesses that was launched in 2012 at Borsa Italiana and following its success was rolled out in the UK in 2014, and the first Greek football club quoted on a stock exchange. Raffaele Jerusalmi, executive director of the board of directors of LSEG, stated: "We are delighted to welcome AEK to the Elite programme".{{cite web|url=http://www.capital.gr/story/2267312|title=Στις... ELITE του Χρηματιστηρίου του Λονδίνου η ΑΕΚ|last=Capital.gr|work=capital.gr|access-date=4 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lseg.com/resources/media-centre/press-releases/elite-welcomes-first-intake-european-companies-programme|title=ELITE welcomes first intake of European companies to programme|work=lseg.com|access-date=4 January 2017}} On 27 April 2015, AEK FC was selected for the honor of opening a session of the London Stock Exchange.{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/i-aek-sto-programma-elite-45070.htm?lang=en&path=2073348437|title=AEK FC joins ELITE platform|work=aekfc.gr|access-date=30 March 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Hellas/BEth/aek/ksekinaei-me-aek-to-xrhmatisthrio-toy-londinoy.3436053.html|title=Αρχίζει με... ΑΕΚ το χρηματιστήριο του Λονδίνου|work=contra.gr|date=27 April 2015 |access-date=4 January 2017}}

Current sponsorships:

• Premium Sponsors: Pame Stoixima, Nike
• Official Sponsors: Football Pro, Piraeus Bank, Cosmote, Cosmote TV, LG Corporation, Seajets

{{main|Nikos Goumas Stadium|Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Agia Sophia Stadium}}

Nikos Goumas Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in Nea Filadelfeia ("New Philadelphia"), a northwestern suburb of Athens, Greece. It was used mostly for football matches and was the home stadium of AEK FC. It was named after one-time club president, Nicholas Goumas, who contributed to its building and later upgrading. It served as AEK's home ground since 1930.{{cite web | url=http://www.stadia.gr/ngoumas/ngoumas.html | title=Nikos Goumas Stadium info |work=stadia.gr | access-date = 23 March 2008}} The Nikos Goumas Stadium had severe damages from 1999's earthquake and in 2003 was demolished with the prospect to build a new stadium for AEK FC. Unfortunately, prolonged obstruction, legal issues, and tight deadlines caused multiple delays to the project.

In 2004 the club moved to the 70,000-capacity "Spyros Louis" (Athens Olympic Stadium) in Athens. The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens, also known as OAKA, is one of the most complete European athletic complexes.{{cite web|url=http://www.oaka.com.gr/%CF%87%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CE%B5%CE%BA%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%8E%CF%83%CE%B5%CF%89%CE%BD/%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CF%87%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B9/|title=Central Race Areas of OAKA|publisher=oaka.com|language=el|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=28 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033732/http://www.oaka.com.gr/%CF%87%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CE%B5%CE%BA%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%8E%CF%83%CE%B5%CF%89%CE%BD/%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CF%87%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B9/|url-status=dead}}

It has hosted the 1991 Mediterranean Games, the 1997 World Championships in Athletics, the 1994 and 2007 UEFA Champions League Finals, as well as other important athletic and cultural events, the most significant of which remains the 2004 Summer Olympics.{{cite web|last=Xenides |first=George |url=http://www.stadia.gr/oaka/oaka-f.html |title=Athens Olympic Stadium |publisher=Stadia.gr |date=3 November 1983 |access-date=7 June 2012}}

Construction of an all-new purpose-built stadium initially began on 28 July 2017 in the site of the old Nikos Goumas stadium. It suffered from major delays due to the local authorities taking too long on confirming certain proposals concerning the stadium's road system. Construction was completed in 2022. The stadium has capacity of approximately 32,500 fans and features a unique underground road system that the teams use to enter the stadium.

Agia Sophia Stadium features The Museum of Refugee Hellenism of AEK Athens. It is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00-18.00).

The stadium's opening ceremony took place on 30 September 2022. AEK Athens won Ionikos 4–1 in their new stadium opening game on 3 October 2022, a game conducted for the sixth fixture of the 2022–23 Greek Super League.

{{See also|Spata Training Centre}}

File:Serafeideio-spata-aek-proponitiko02.jpg]]

Since December 2010, AEK has been using state-of-the-art facilities in an area of 144 acres in the Mazareko area in Spata.{{cite web|url=https://www.in.gr/2010/11/15/sports/football/episimi-prwti-tis-aek-sto-proponitiko-twn-spatwn/|title=Official first of AEK in the Spata training centre |date=15 November 2010 |publisher=in.gr|language=el|access-date=15 November 2010}} Previously owned by Nicholas X. Notias, it is the most expensive (with a total cost around €25m){{cite web|url=http://www.aek365.gr/article.php?id=56339 |script-title=el:Χλιδή το προπονητικό |publisher=Aek365.gr |date=21 April 2010 |language=el |access-date=1 July 2010}} and one of the biggest training centers in Greece. These facilities include two lawns with natural turf and one with plastic for the needs of the Academies (which was created in 2013 with a viewing platform for spectators) and all the necessary and well-equipped areas for the preparation of a team with modern instruments. A standard football studio, one of the most complete in Greece. The main building of the centre hosts the offices of the club, a press room, and the players' rooms. The training ground is used by the first team and youth teams. The Spata Training Centre includes state-of-the-art facilities, a fitness and health centre with weight-training and fitness rooms, a cryotherapy centre, and more. There are also plans for an AEK Museum, hotel, aquatic centre, and two more soccer fields. From 2013 on, AEK training centre services have been upgraded dramatically. The players of the teamwork daily in an environment with all the necessary infrastructure, while in the last few months, they have at their disposal in the basement of the building a treatment centre with the most modern means. Even the young athletes of the Academies work in facilities that very few Academies have in Greece. But the outlook is even more impressive. Since 2014, the official name of the ground is "OPAP Sports Centre".{{cite web|url=http://www.sentragoal.gr/article.asp?catid=39428&subid=2&pubid=129665515|title="Προπονητικό Κέντρο ΟΠΑΠ" τα Σπάτα|first=Pegasus|last=Interactive|work=sentragoal.gr|access-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305164636/http://www.sentragoal.gr/article.asp?catid=39428&subid=2&pubid=129665515|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}} On 4 July 2018, the Sports Centre came to auction which was bought by Dimitrios Melissanidis for a price of €3.5m and then donated it to AEK. Alongside the Sports Centre, Melissanidis also bought 70 hectares for an extra €5.5m{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/sports/greek-football/arthro/3779183/dorea-melissanidi-stin-aek-to-proponitiko-kentro-sta-spata|title=Δωρεά Μελισσανίδη στην ΑΕΚ το προπονητικό κέντρο στα Σπάτα|date=4 July 2018}} which were added to the wider area of the existing training center and there will be additional stadiums along with the necessary additional facilities for the preparation of the team and for the hospitality of the players.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/fp/proponitiko-kentro-43052.htm?lang=el&path=889339769|title=Προπονητικο Κεντρο}}

{{main article|Original 21}}

AEK Athens has a large fan base across all of Greece and is the second most popular Greek football team in relation to their fan base. According to Sky Sports, AEK have around 20% of all Greek football fans.{{cite web|url = https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12028/8680867/Our-Greek-correspondent-Fotis-Voinikas-fears-for-football-in-his-country-after-AEK-s-relegation|title = Our Greek correspondent Fotis Voinikas fears for football in his country after AEK's relegation}} AEK's fan base in Greece is believed to be over 1 million with various types of research suggesting AEK have an estimated fan base between 1.3 – 1.5 million fans in Greece.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aek-live.gr/posi-imaste-i-opadi-tis-aek-erevna-tou-aek-live-gia-oles-tis-dimoskopisis/|title = Πόσοι είμαστε οι Ενωσίτες; Όλες οι δημοσκοπήσεις!|date = 23 March 2020}} AEK Athens traditional fanbase comes from the area of Nea Filadelfeia, where the club is based, as well as a good part of the rest of the Athens area.

AEK has a strong following in the Greek diaspora especially in Cyprus where the club has a large following with a recent fan poll from Kerkida.net having AEK as the second most popular Greek-supported team in Cyprus behind Panathinaikos (34%) but ahead of Olympiacos (23%) with AEK having 27% of Cypriot football fans supporting the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerkida.net/articles/a-katigoria/eidiseis/501321-polloi-aektzides-stin-kypro|title = ΠΟΛΛΟΙ… ΑΕΚτζήδες στην Κύπρο | Kerkida.net}} One of the main reasons AEK's popularity in Cyprus is large making them ahead of Olympiacos the most popular Greek team in Greece is due to the fact AEK are a refugee club which many Greek Cypriots are after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and due to this many Greek Cypriots can relate to the similar history of AEKs being a refugee club. AEK have also a strong following in Australia, the US, the UK, Germany, and France.

The most hardcore supporters of AEK are Original 21, which is the largest group fan organisation of the club and is known for its loyal and passionate support.

A so-called "triangle of brotherhood" has developed between the largest left-wing fan clubs of AEK, Marseille and Livorno.{{cite web|url=http://www.aek365.com/a-157840/ta-adelfia-apo-th-massalia.htm|title=Original 21 and Commando Ultra '84 friendship|publisher=aek365.com|language=el}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/i-liborno-bgazei-kitrinomauri-fanela-logw-aek-pic/3527441|title=Livorno shoots yellow-black jersey due to AEK|publisher=sport-fm.gr|language=el}} The connection is mostly an ideological one.{{Cite web|url=http://oneloveaek.blogspot.gr/2013/06/aek-marseille-freres-pour-toujours.html?m=1|title=One love, AEK: AEK-Marseille, frères pour toujours}}{{cite web |url=http://www.aek-live.gr/γιόρτασε-11-χρόνια-αδελφοποίησης-η-original-στ/ |title = Γιόρτασε 11 χρόνια αδελφοποίησης η Original στο Λιβόρνο!| date=28 April 2014 }}

Also, AEK's and St. Pauli's left-wing fans, have a strong friendship and their connection is mostly for ideological reasons.{{cite web |url=http://www.aek-live.gr/οι-οπαδοί-της-σαν-πάουλι-με-σημαία-της-α/ |title = Οι οπαδοί της St.Pauli με σημαία της ΑΕΚ και πανό για την R-21 (pics)| date=12 November 2015 }}

There is an informal friendship and fraternization between the fans of AEK and Fenerbahçe. In the 2017 Euroleague final, Fenerbahçe S.K. supporters displayed a banner that read "Same City's Sons"{{Cite web |title=Το πανό των οπαδών της «Φενέρ» για την ΑΕΚ! {{!}} Filathlos.gr {{!}} Το Εγκυρότερο Αθλητικό Blog! |url=https://www.filathlos.gr/aek/334210-to-pano-ton-opadon-tes-phener-gia-ten-aek |access-date=18 March 2023 |website=Filathlos.gr |date=22 May 2017 |language=el}}{{Cite web |date=21 May 2017 |title="Aynı Şehrin Çocukları: Fenerbahçe & AEK Athens" #Fener4Glory |url=https://twitter.com/tribundergi/status/866320354721058816 |access-date=18 March 2023 |website=Twitter |language=tr}}

{{main|Athenian derby|A.E.K.–Olympiacos rivalry|Double-headed eagles derby}}

AEK FC's biggest rivalries are with Panathinaikos and Olympiacos.

Against their city neighbours Panathinaikos, they contest the Athens local football derby.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsports.gr/face-look/story/266138/retro-istories-panathinaikos-aek-to-klasiko-athinaiko-ntermpi-photos-videos|title=Panathinaikos – AEK, the classic Athenian Derby|date=4 November 2012|publisher=onsports.gr|language=el}} The rivalry started not only because of both competing for the major titles, but also because of the refugee ancestry of a big part of AEK fans and, by contrast, that Panathinaikos was considered in general the representative of the Athenian high-class society{{Citation needed|date=April 2019}}.

The rivalry with Piraeus based club Olympiacos stems from the rivalry between two of the most successful Greek football clubs. The rivalry was particularly inflamed after 1996, when AEK's former star player and then-manager Dušan Bajević moved to Olympiacos,{{cite web|url=https://www.onsports.gr/afieromata/story/586468/otan-o-ntoysan-mpagevits-epestrepse-sti-filadelfeia-kai-i-aek-evraze|title=When Dušan Bajević returned to Nea Philadelphia and AEK "boiled"|date=13 January 2018|publisher=onsports.gr|language=el}}{{cite web|url=http://www.katiousa.gr/athlitismos/ntousan-mpagevits-o-titoikos-prigkipas-pou-egine-vatrachos/|title=Dusan Bajevic – The Titoic prince became a frog|date=11 December 2017|publisher=katiousa.gr|language=el}} and most recently after the controversial 2007–08 Super League which was awarded to Olympiacos.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsports.gr/afieromata/story/201632/to-ithiko-protathlima-tis-aek-to-2008-photos-videos|title=The "moral" championship of AEK in 2008|date=20 April 2012|publisher=onsports.gr|language=el}}

• {{flagicon|MEX}} Atlético Morelia{{cite web |last1=Τζουβάρας |first1=Θωμάς |title=Συνεργασία ΑΕΚ - Ατλέτικο Μορέλια για την ανάδειξη Μεξικανών ποδοσφαιριστών |url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/synergasia-aek-atletiko-morelia-gia-tin-anadeixi-mexikanon-podosfairiston.10030588.html |website=sport24.gr |access-date=11 May 2023 |location=Online |language=el |date=2023}}{{cite web |last1=Yu |first1=Kevin R. |title=Atlético Morelia anuncia convenio con el AEK Atenas de Orbelín Pineda |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-de-expansion-mx/atletico-morelia-anuncia-convencio-con-aek-atenas-orbelin-pineda |website=tudn.com |access-date=11 May 2023 |location=Online |language=es |date=2023}}
• {{flagicon|GER}} BV Weckhoven{{cite web |title=Ο γερμανικός σύλλογος BV Weckhoven στο Δίκτυο Ακαδημιών ΑΕΚ |url=https://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/aaa-152-130545.htm?lang=el&path=2005020577 |website=aekfc.gr |access-date=10 September 2023 |location=Online |language=el}}

• {{legend|gold|record}}

• Winners (3): 1938–39, 1977–78, 2022–23

• UEFA Champions League
• Quarter-finals (1): 1969

• UEFA Europa League
• Semi-finals (1): 1977

• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
• Quarter-finals (2): 1997, 1998

• Balkans Cup
• Runners-up (1): 1967

• Athens FCA First Division
• Winners (5): 1940, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1950

• Easter Cup
• Winners (4): 1938, 1944, 1955, 1958
• Christmas Cup
• Winners (3) : 1944, 1947, 1957

• Sydney Football Festival
• 16px Winners (1) (Record): 2010{{cite web |title=Rangers reel from shock defeat |url=https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/rangers-reel-from-shock-defeat-1.662220 |website=gulfnews.com |access-date=21 October 2023 |location=Online |date=1 August 2010 |quote=Burns helped give AEK its third win in as many matches and the round-robin title in the four-team tournament that included Sydney FC and Blackburn Rovers.}}{{cite web |title=BURNS HITS THE WINNER FOR AEK |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/burns-hits-the-winner-for-aek-221573 |website=ftbl.com.au |access-date=21 October 2023 |location=Online |date=31 July 2010 |quote=It was a disappointing result for the Light Blues who had already beaten Blackburn and drawn with Sydney and left the Greek side as Festival winners.}}

• Pre-Mediterranean Cup
• 16px Winners (1) (Record): 1991{{cite web |last1=Mastrogiannopoulos |first1=Alexander |title=Greece 1990/91 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesg/grk91.html |website=rsssf.org |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=6 December 2023 |location=Online |date=31 January 2008 |quote=Mediterranean Cup 1991 NB: post-season tournament (June 1991) between top-level clubs (so a sort of league cup), except that Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and PAOK did not enter. Semifinals: AEK 4-2 Apollon, OFI bt [?], Final: AEK 1-0 OFI [Takis Karagiozopoulos].}}

• Nova Supersports Cup
• 16px Winners (1) (Joint record): 1999{{cite web |author1=Πάτροκλος Πανανίδης |title=Τρεις εκτελεστές |url=https://www.tanea.gr/1999/08/02/sports/treis-ektelestes/ |website=tanea.gr |date=2 August 1999 |accessdate=12 November 2020 |location=Online |language=el}}
• 16px Runners-up (2): 2000,{{cite web |title=Η Μπρέσια νικήτρια του τουρνουά Supersport 3-2 την ΑΕΚ |url=https://www.in.gr/2000/08/05/sports/i-mpresia-nikitria-toy-toyrnoya-supersport-3-2-tin-aek |website=in.gr |date=5 August 2000 |accessdate=12 November 2020 |location=Online |language=el}} 2001{{cite web |title=Τη δεύτερη θέση κατέκτησε η ΑΕΚ στο 3ο τουρνουά Supersport |url=https://www.in.gr/2001/08/03/sports/ti-deyteri-thesi-katektise-i-aek-sto-3o-toyrnoya-supersport/ |website=in.gr |date=3 August 2001 |accessdate=12 November 2020 |location=Online |language=el}}

Source: [https://www.aekfc.gr/clp/oi-titloi-thc-a-e-k-45010.htm?lang=en&path=306773877 AEK Athens F.C.]

{{Main|AEK Athens F.C. in European football}}

Best seasons

{{clear}}

Last update: 7 March 2025

Source: [https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/club/?year=2025]

{{updated|7 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/rp/roster-42892.htm?lang=en&path=677361083|title=Current Roster|work=aekfc.gr|access-date=29 August 2021}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no= 1|pos=GK|nat=ALB|name=Thomas Strakosha}}

{{Fs player|no= 2|pos=DF|nat=CMR|name=Harold Moukoudi}}

{{Fs player|no= 3|pos=DF|nat=GRE|name=Stavros Pilios}}

{{Fs player|no= 4|pos=MF|nat=POL|name=Damian Szymański|other=vice-captain}}

{{Fs player|no= 6|pos=MF|nat=DEN|name=Jens Jønsson}}

{{Fs player|no= 8|pos=MF|nat=SRB|name=Mijat Gaćinović}}

{{Fs player|no= 9|pos=MF|nat=ARG|name=Erik Lamela}}

{{Fs player|no=11|pos=FW|nat=MTN|name=Aboubakary Koïta}}

{{fs player|no=12|pos=DF|nat=GRE|name=Lazaros Rota}}

{{fs player|no=13|pos=MF|nat=MEX|name=Orbelín Pineda}}

{{Fs player|no=14|pos=FW|nat=HAI|name=Frantzdy Pierrot}}

{{Fs player|no=16|pos=MF|nat=GRE|name=Sotiris Tsiloulis}}

{{Fs player|no=18|pos=DF|nat=PER|name=Alexander Callens}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=19|pos=MF|nat=SWE|name=Niclas Eliasson}}

{{Fs player|no=20|pos=MF|nat=GRE|name=Petros Mantalos}}

{{Fs player|no=21|pos=DF|nat=CRO|name=Domagoj Vida|other=captain}}

{{Fs player|no=22|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Paolo Fernandes}}

{{Fs player|no=23|pos=MF|nat=CRO|name=Robert Ljubičić}}

{{Fs player|no=24|pos=DF|nat=GRE|name=Gerasimos Mitoglou}}

{{Fs player|no=26|pos=FW|nat=FRA|name=Anthony Martial}}

{{Fs player|no=28|pos=DF|nat=IRN|name=Ehsan Hajsafi}}

{{Fs player|no=29|pos=DF|nat=ENG|name=Moses Odubajo}}

{{Fs player|no=37|pos=MF|nat=ARG|name=Roberto Pereyra}}

{{Fs player|no=91|pos=GK|nat=ITA|name=Alberto Brignoli}}

{{Fs player|no=99|pos=GK|nat=GRE|name=Georgios Theocharis}}

{{Fs end}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=27|pos=DF|nat=BIH|name=Vedad Radonja|other=at Lamia until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=35|pos=FW|nat=GRE|name=Michalis Kosidis|other=at Puszcza Niepołomice until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=55|pos=DF|nat=GRE|name=Konstantinos Chrysopoulos|other=at Anorthosis Famagusta until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=90|pos=FW|nat=ANG|name=Zini|other=at Levadiakos until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs end}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=GK|nat=AUT|name=Cican Stanković}}

{{Fs end}}

{{Main|AEK Athens B F.C.|AEK Athens F.C. Academy}}

{{Main|List of AEK Athens F.C. records and statistics}}

AEK has a remarkable tradition in strikers and goal-scoring players. 14 different teams' players, 24 times overall, have finished the season as the top scorer in the Super League.

• Most club appearances: 593–Stelios Manolas
• Most club goals: 299–Mimis Papaioannou

• Most club titles: 8–Dušan Bajević (disgraced)

AEK, through their history, have highlighted some of the greatest Greek players in the history of Greek football, who also contributed to the national team (Papaioannou, Nestoridis, Mavros, Tsiartas, Nikolaidis, etc.).

Five players of the club were part of the golden team of 2004 that won the UEFA Euro 2004:

• UEFA Euro 2004 (6): Thodoris Zagorakis (player of the tournament), Vasilis Tsiartas, Michalis Kapsis, Kostas Katsouranis, Demis Nikolaidis and Vasilis Lakis.

A total of 113 players of AEK had played for the Greece national football team up to 23 March 2025.

{{Details|Category:AEK Athens F.C. players}}

File:DK-AEK (4) (croppe.jpg| Anastasios Bakasetas

File:CSKA-AEK (5).jpg| André Simões

File:Basinas 2008.jpg| Angelos Basinas

File:Bruno Alves.jpg| Bruno Alves

File:Bruno Cirillo 2.jpg| Bruno Cirillo

File:Malaga trenning (1).jpg| Diego Buonanotte

File:Juan Cala.jpg| Cala

File:Patsatzoglou 2008.jpg| Christos Patsatzoglou

File:Majstorovic Nov2010.jpg| Daniel Majstorović

File:Dionisis Chiotis.jpg| Dionysis Chiotis

File:DK-AEK (4 cropped).jpg| Dmytro Chyhrynskyi

File:Bajevic Maric Vladic (Bajevic cropped).jpg| Dušan Bajević

File:Eidur Gudjohnsen.jpg| Eidur Gudjohnsen

File:Fabián Andrés Vargas (2011-10-20).jpg| Fabián Vargas

File:Krychowiak in 2020.jpg| Grzegorz Krychowiak

File:Lazaros Christodoulopoulos.jpg| Lazaros Christodoulopoulos

File:Lefter.jpg| Lefter Küçükandonyadis

File:Hugo Almeida - SV Werder Bremen (1).jpg| Hugo Almeida

File:Ioannis Okkas1.jpg| Ioannis Okkas

File:Ignacio Scocco en Newell's Old Boys 2021.jpg| Ignacio Scocco

File:NACIONAL VS BARCELONA 2 LAC (15388871639).jpg| Ismael Blanco

File:CSKA-AEK (1).jpg| Jakob Johansson

File:Joleon Lescott 20120611.jpg| Joleon Lescott

File:Juan Fran.jpg| Juanfran

File:20130814 AT-GR Kostas Katsouranis 2377.jpg| Kostas Katsouranis

File:Kostas Manolas 2011 02.jpg| Kostas Manolas

File:레오나르두.jpg| Leonardo

File:Loc-Rub (4).jpg| Marko Livaja

File:Nelson Oliveira - Croatia vs. Portugal, 10th June 2013 (crop).jpg| Nélson Oliveira

File:Liberopoulos.JPG| Nikos Liberopoulos

File:Paulo Assunção.jpg| Paulo Assunção

File:Rivaldo bunyodkor 2010.jpg| Rivaldo

File:20130814 AT-GR Sokratis Papastathopoulos 2368.jpg| Sokratis Papastathopoulos

File:Dellas 2008.jpg| Traianos Dellas

File:Tsiartas.jpg| Vasilios Tsiartas

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Owner |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Marios Iliopoulos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=President |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Evangelos Aslanidis}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Vice President |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Alexis Alexiou}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Board members |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Georgios Kanellopoulos}}
{{flagicon|GRE}} Nikos Pantermalis

{{Fb oi footer|s=[https://www.aekfc.gr/pel/dioikitiko-symvoulio-43388.htm?lang=en&path=1966086743 AEK Athens F.C.]|date=November 2024}}

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=General manager |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Angeliki Arkadi}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=CFO |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Andreas Christakos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Commercial Director |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Nikos Karaouzas}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Press Officer |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Tasos Tsatalis}}

{{Fb oi footer|s=[https://www.aekfc.gr/pel/stelechi-43389.htm?lang=en&path=-181396910 AEK Athens F.C.]|date=December 2024}}

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Director of Football |s={{flagicon|ESP}} Javier Ribalta}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Deputy Director of Football |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Konstantinos Stavrothanasopoulos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Strategic Consultant & Ambassador |s={{flagicon|POR}} Bruno Alves}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Technical Director |s={{flagicon|POL}} Radek Kucharski}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Team Managers |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Dimitris Nalitzis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Panos Anastasopoulos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Scouters |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Fanouris Goundoulakis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Dimitris Xouris
{{flagicon|GRE}} Akis Petrou}}

{{Fb oi footer|s=[https://www.aekfc.gr/pel/agonstelechi-126281.htm?lang=en&path=-502730888 AEK Athens F.C.]|date=November 2024}}

File:Almeyda foto .jpg, the current head coach of AEK Athens]]

;Coaching staff

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Head coach |s={{flagicon|ARG}} Matías Almeyda}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant coach |s={{flagicon|ARG}} Daniel Vega}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Fitness coaches |s={{flagicon|ARG}} Guido Bonini
{{flagicon|GRE}} Kostas Parousis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Sotiris Mavros}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Goalkeeper coach |s={{flagicon|ARG}} Carlos Roa}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Kinesiologist |s={{flagicon|ARG}} Fabio Álvarez}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Analysts |s={{flagicon|ARG}} Agustín Zalazar
{{flagicon|GRE}} Giannis Antonopoulos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Rehabilitation coaches |s={{flagicon|FRA}} Gilles Marambaud
{{flagicon|GRE}} Ignatios Sakellaridis}}

{{Fb oi footer|s=[https://www.aekfc.gr/pel/techniki-igesia-43381.htm?lang=en&path=-1464847241 AEK Athens F.C.]|date=October 2024}}

;Medical staff

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Medical director |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Lakis Nikolaou}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Team doctor |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Charis Lalos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Doctor |s={{flagicon|FRA}} Eric Buracchi}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Εrgophysiologist |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Dimitris Stergiopoulos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Head of Physiotherapist |s={{flagicon|ITA}} Agostino Alessio}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Physiotherapists |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Dimitris Dimas
{{flagicon|GRE}} Konstantinos Pavlidis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Vasilios Laosoglou}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant physiotherapists |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Lefteris Gaitanos
{{flagicon|GRE}} Alexis Asprogiannis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Taxiarchis Kagiaros}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Nutritionists |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Daniel Kapsis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Dimitris Kakouros}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Podiatrist |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Manos Arvanitakis}}

{{Fb oi footer|s=[https://www.aekfc.gr/pel/iatriko-epiteleio-43385.htm?lang=en&path=1756378213 AEK Athens F.C.]|date=December 2024}}

;Other staff

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Team manager assistant |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Antonis Maos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Kit mens |s={{flagicon|GRE}} Giorgos Baliotis
{{flagicon|GRE}} Spyros Mallioras
{{flagicon|GRE}} Manolis Fanelakis}}

{{Fb oi footer|s=[https://www.aekfc.gr/pel/prosopiko-45719.htm?lang=en&path=-389483010 AEK Athens F.C.]|date=October 2024}}

File:František Fadrhonc (1974).jpg|František Fadrhonc led AEK Athens to the 1976–77 UEFA Cup semi-finals

File:Zlatko Čajkovski 1953.jpg|Zlatko Čajkovski 1977–78 Alpha Ethniki champion and 1977–78 Greek Cup winner

File:Ferenc Puskás (cropped).jpg|The "Mighty Magyar" Ferenc Puskás, manager of the club in the 1978–79 season

File:Dušan Bajević (cropped).png|Dušan Bajević 4 times Alpha Ethniki champion, 1 time Greek Cup, Greek League Cup and Greek Super Cup winner

File:20150616 - Portugal - Italie - Genève - Fernando Santos.jpg|Fernando Santos winner of the 2001–02 Greek Cup

File:2017-08-02 Manolo Jimenez.jpg|Manolo Jiménez 2017–18 Greek Super League champion and 2010–11 Greek Cup winner

File:Dellas 2008.jpg|Traianos Dellas led the club to promotion to the Greek Super League

File:Almeyda_foto_.jpg|Matías Almeyda 2022–23 Greek Super League champion and 2022–23 Greek Cup winner

{{Details|List of AEK Athens FC managers}}

;Key

:* Served as caretaker manager.
† Served as caretaker manager before being appointed permanently.

Only competitive matches are counted. Wins, losses, and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shootouts are not counted.

{{portal|Association football|Greece}}

• A.E.K. (sports club)
• AEK Athens B F.C.
• AEK Athens F.C. Academy
• History of AEK Athens F.C.
• List of AEK Athens F.C. seasons
• List of AEK Athens F.C. records and statistics
• List of AEK Athens F.C. managers
• AEK Athens F.C. in European football
• European Club Association

{{Reflist}}

• Κουσουνέλος, Γιώργος (1924). ΑΕΚ - Η ΥΠΕΡΟΜΑΔΑ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Σ. Φίλης.
• Μακρίδης, Παναγιώτης (1955). Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΕΚ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Αθλητική Ηχώ.
• Συλλογικό έργο (1979). Η αθλητική δράση των Ρωμιών της Πόλης 1896–1976 {{in lang|el}}. Κωνσταντινούπολη, Τουρκία: Ειδική Έκδοση.
• Αλεξανδρής, Γ.Χ. (1996). Η Ιστορία της ΑΕΚ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Ιδιωτική Έκδοση Γ.Χ. Αλεξανδρής.
• Καραπάνος, Παναγιώτης (1999). Το αλφαβητάρι της ΑΕΚ: Όλα όσα πρέπει να ξέρεις και δεν σου έχουν πει για την ΑΕΚ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Δίαυλος. {{ISBN| 978-960-531-066-0}}.
• Νόταρης, Ι. Σωτήρης (2002). ΑΕΚ, κλασικός αθλητισμός: Ο καρπός της αθλητικής παράδοσης της Πόλης στη σύγχρονη Αθήνα από το 1924 έως τις μέρες μας {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Καλαβρία.
• Συλλογικό έργο (2007). Ο Κιτρινόμαυρος Δικέφαλος {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Παπαδόπουλος. {{ISBN|978-960-412-558-6}}.
• Κατσαρός, Κωνσταντίνος (2008). Κώστας Νεστορίδης: Ο μάγος της μπάλας {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Άγκυρα. {{ISBN|978-960-422-625-2}}.
• Συλλογικό έργο (2009). ΑΕΚ: Για πάντα πρωταθλητές {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Σκάι. {{ISBN|978-960-482-018-4}}.
• Κακίσης, Σωτήρης (2011). Ένωσις! {{in lang|el}}. Λευκωσία, Κύπρος: Εκδόσεις Αιγαίον. {{ISBN|978-996-369-277-4}}.
• Έρτσος, Γεράσιμος (2015). Στάδιο ΑΕΚ και η ιστορία του...από το 1928 μέχρι το 2015 {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Ιδιωτική Έκδοση. {{ISBN|978-960-937-426-2}}.
• Συλλογικό έργο (2014). 90 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ, Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΕΚ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδοτικός Οίκος Α. Α. Λιβάνη. {{ISBN|978-960-14-2802-4}}.
• Συλλογικό έργο (2017). Ποιος, ποιος, ποιος, ο μαύρος θεός {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Ελληνοεκδοτική. {{ISBN|978-960-563-146-8}}.
• Αγγελίδης, Νικόλαος (2017). Όλες οι ΑΕΚ του κόσμου {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Νότιος Άνεμος. {{ISBN|978-960-951-152-0}}.
• Γεωργάκης, Θεόδωρος (2021). Είναι διαφορετικό να είσαι ΑΕΚ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Όστρια Βιβλίο. {{ISBN|978-960-604-701-5}}.
• Παναγιωτακόπουλος, Παναγιώτης (2021). 1963–2021 Η ΕΥΡΩΠΑΪΚΗ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ Α.Ε.Κ. ΜΕΣΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΕΙΣΙΤΗΡΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΑΓΩΝΩΝ: το ταξίδι συνεχίζεται...!!! {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: {{ISBN|978-618-00-2832-4}}.
• Παναγιωτακόπουλος, Παναγιώτης (2022). 1979–2003 ΤΟ ΤΑΞΙΔΙ ΣΥΝΕΧΙΖΕΤΑΙ...Νο2: Οι επίσημοι αγώνες της Α.Ε.Κ. στο Ναό μέσα από τα εισιτήρια των αγώνων {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: {{ISBN|978-618-00-3993-1}}.
• Παναγιωτακόπουλος, Παναγιώτης (2023). 100 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ Α.Ε.Κ. – 100 ΣΤΙΓΜΕΣ ΔΟΞΑΣ μέσα από τα εισιτήρια των αγώνων: Το Ταξίδι Συνεχίζεται...!!! Νο3 {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: {{ISBN|978-618-00-4636-6}}.
• Γασπαρινάτος, Γεράσιμος (2023). Μια ομάδα στον κόσμο αγαπώ! {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: One Team Εκδοτική. {{ISBN|978-618-86768-0-0}}.
• Συλλογικό έργο (2024). 100 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ Α.Ε.Κ: Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ Α.Ε.Κ. ΜΕΣΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΕΞΕΛΙΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΓΗΠΕΔΟΥ ΤΗΣ {{in lang|el}}. Αθήνα, Ελλάδα: Εκδόσεις Κάπα. {{ISBN|978-960-62-8372-7}}.

{{wikiquote}}

{{Wikinews category|AEK Athens F.C.}}

{{Commons category}}

Official websites

• {{oweb|1=https://www.aekfc.gr/?lang=en}} {{in lang|en|el}}
• [https://www.slgr.gr/en/team/658/ AEK Athens] at Super League Greece {{in lang|en|el}}
• [https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/teams/50129--aek-athens/ AEK Athens] at UEFA
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20180414172247/http://www.fifa.com/live-scores/clubs/club=greece-aek-31075/index.html AEK Athens] at FIFA (archived 14 April 2018)

News sites

• AEK Athens on [http://www.aek365.org/ aek365.org] {{in lang|el}}
• [https://www.novasports.gr/team-sport/aek-podosfairo/ AEK Athens news] from Nova Sports
• [https://www.flashscore.gr/team/aek/ANpZncAM/ Current results of AEK matches]
• [https://football.aek.com/ A.E.K. FC Database]

Media

• {{Facebook|AEK.FC.OFFICIAL}}
• [https://www.youtube.com/user/AEKFCOfficial AEK Athens] on YouTube

Other

• [https://www.aekfc.gr/ehp/e-shop-45908.htm?lang=en&path=-222580127 AEK Athens e-shop]

{{A.E.K. (sports club)}}

{{AEK Athens F.C.}}

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{{Super League Greece teamlist}}

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Football

Category:Football clubs in Athens

Category:Association football clubs established in 1924

Category:1924 establishments in Greece