Sometimes in football, the stars align just right. A young player steps onto a new field, a fresh jersey on his back, and everything just clicks. That seems to be the story so far for Antonis Papakanellos at Rio Ave. He joined the club for the 2025/26 season, on loan from Olympiacos, and has certainly made a strong first impression.
This 19-year-old attacking midfielder quickly found his footing. Since arriving, he has played in three of Rio Ave’s four friendly matches. Even better, he found the net in two of those games. Papakanellos first scored against Limianos, coming off the bench to make his mark. Then, showing he’s ready for bigger challenges, the Greek youth international started against Benfica B and scored again.
These two goals are more than just numbers on a scoreboard. They are vital steps for Papakanellos. They help him carve out his space in the Rio Ave squad. What makes it even more interesting is his bond with the coach, Sotiris Solaidopoulos. This isn’t their first rodeo together; they previously worked side-by-side at Olympiacos, the Greek football powerhouse. That history could be the secret ingredient in his promising start.
