The Greek national football team might have suffered a 1-0 loss at home on Thursday night to Scotland for the UEFA Nations League competition, but there was a silver lining to the tough defeat. A Greek youngster took to the pitch in the second half and left everyone at the stadium, including the traveling Scottish fans in awe. Konstantinos Karetsas, only 17, introduced himself to the football fans on the international stage for the first time. And what an introduction it was.
The left-footed teenager, born in Belgium to Greek parents, weaved and twisted on the field passing his mesmerized opponents at will creating openings and chances for his teammates. Some took to social media and even compared him with the GOAT himself, Lionel Messi. Although some may say it is sacrilegious to compare the 171cm tall teen to the great Argentine, one can see why they did it.
His superb technique, exceptional ball control under pressure, passing accuracy, and ability to take on opponents with confidence are traits reminiscent of the magical Argentine. But most of the scouts are impressed by his high football IQ. It is as if he was born to play the game.
Konstantinos Karetsas currently plays for Belgian first-division club Genk, where he quickly won over the club’s staff and fans, who started calling him “Kos” because his full name was difficult for Belgians to pronounce.
On September 1, 2023, he became the youngest scorer in Belgian professional football with a precise shot into the corner—using his supposedly weaker right foot. That this historic moment came in a match against Anderlecht’s reserve team was particularly symbolic.
The 2023-24 season saw Karetsas play in 20 matches, scoring six goals and five assists, all while competing against older and more experienced opponents. After a full season in the second division, he made his top-flight debut for Genk in May. By the following season, at just 16 years old, he became a regular starter, stepping up after Bilal El Khannouss departed for Leicester City.
Seven months later, in December 2024, he scored his first senior goal. Once again, fittingly, it came against Anderlecht, marking another milestone in his young career.
The young Greek admires Brazilian stars Neymar and Ronaldinho, studying their highlights before games. “Before every match, I watch videos of my favorite players on YouTube—mostly Brazilians like Neymar and Ronaldinho. I also learn a lot from them because I am a very creative player. During training, I sometimes imitate their moves, and if they work, I try them in matches,” he said in an interview.
However, in Belgium, many see him differently. Due to his playing style and the fact that he also emerged from Genk, comparisons to Manchester City’s star Kevin De Bruyne have become inevitable.
In the World’s Top Talents, According to The Guardian
Konstantinos Karetsas is already being linked to major European clubs with Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and Ajax just a few of the teams monitoring his progress. In The Guardian’s annual list of the world’s top 60 young players, Karetsas was included alongside Olympiacos’ Babis Kostoulas.
Choosing His Heart Over Belgium
Although Karetsas had already played for Belgium’s youth national teams, Greece’s football federation had been working for years to convince him to switch allegiance. Their efforts paid off. “My heart beats only for Greece. My homeland fulfills me completely,” he told coach Ivan Jovanović, bringing joy to the Greek delegation.
Summers in Serres and a Love for PAOK
Both of Karetsas’ parents are Greek—his father from Serres and his mother from Athens. They immigrated to Belgium, where they built their family, but they always maintained strong ties to Greece. Every summer, the family would return to Serres. However, with his career now skyrocketing, carefree vacations may soon become a luxury of the past.
His father’s roots also influenced his football loyalties. Karetsas has openly expressed his admiration for PAOK. In the past, he attended several friendly matches, and last summer, he received a hero’s welcome from PAOK fans when Genk played against the Thessaloniki club.
