Greece international Marios Oikonomou has tragically died at the age of 33, nine days after a motorbike accident in his hometown of Ioannina, Greece. The former defender was riding a motorbike on May 23 when he was struck by a car performing a U-turn. He underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma, but the severe head injuries he sustained proved fatal. Doctors confirmed his death on Monday, June 1, after nine days of intensive treatment.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Oikonomou began his professional career at Greek club PAS Giannina before moving to Italy in 2013 to join Cagliari. A year later, he transferred to Bologna, where he truly made his name. The centre-back played a key role in Bologna's promotion to Serie A and continued to perform at a high level in Italy's top flight. During his time at Bologna, he earned six caps for the Greek national team.
Return to Greece and Later Moves
After his stint in Italy, Oikonomou returned to Greece to play for AEK Athens. He then moved to Copenhagen in 2020, winning the Danish Superliga in 2022. His final club was Sampdoria, where he had a brief spell in Serie A before his untimely death.
Tributes Pour In
Former club AEK Athens released a heartfelt statement: 'With sadness in our hearts and souls, we recently learned of the sad fact that Marios Economou lost the battle for life. Difficult moments when words cannot express for AEK, but much more for his family, the extent of his loss. His career in football and sports and the battles he fought speak for themselves, as well as the unique ethos demonstrated by this young athlete, who lost his life at the age of 33 and on Pentecost Sunday. We wish courage and mental strength to his family and loved ones. He will be remembered by all AEK fans.'
Bologna's official account posted on X: 'Farewell Marios, you left us too soon. You will forever be in our hearts.'
His first club, PAS Giannina, wrote: 'Today the PAS Giannina family is mourning. Marios Oikonomou, a child who earned the love and respect of all of us, left us prematurely. We spent moments of joy, effort and struggle together. Always with a smile, always with kindness. To his loved ones, to our President and father Giorgos Oikonomou and his family, we express our deepest sympathy and our most sincere condolences. His memory will remain alive in all of us. Mario, we will remember you with love. May your memory be eternal.'
Sampdoria also paid tribute on social media, posting a photo of Oikonomou with the caption: 'Ciao Marios.'
