Brief Introduction of Manolis Siopis
Emmanouil “Manolis” Siopis is a Greek professional footballer renowned for his role as a tenacious defensive midfielder. Born on May 14, 1994, he currently plays for the Super League club Panathinaikos and is a regular member of the Greece national team. Siopis is widely recognized for his high work rate, aggressive tackling, and relentless energy on the pitch, qualities that have defined his career across several clubs in Greece, Turkey, and Wales. His journey through prominent teams like Olympiacos, Trabzonspor, and Cardiff City, coupled with his international appearances, has established him as a significant figure in Greek football. He is particularly famous for his contributions to Trabzonspor’s Süper Lig championship-winning season in 2021–2022.
Manolis Siopis Overview
| Full Name | Emmanouil Siopis |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Tychero, Greece |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Famous For | Playing as a defensive midfielder for Panathinaikos and the Greece national team, winning the Süper Lig with Trabzonspor. |
| Education | Information not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse / Partner | Irene Delia |
| Children | Two (a daughter, Zoi, and a son, Paris) |
| Net Worth | Estimated between €1 million and €3 million |
Early Life and Education of Manolis Siopis
Manolis Siopis was born in Tychero, a town in the Evros regional unit of Greece. He was raised in a close-knit family, and his parents still reside in his hometown. Football was an early passion for Siopis, a passion he shared with his younger brother, Dimitrios, who also pursued a career as a professional footballer. Siopis began his football journey at a local club in Tychero before his talent was scouted by one of Greece’s biggest clubs, Olympiacos. At the age of 14, in 2008, he made the significant move to join the Olympiacos youth academy. This transition required him to live away from his family in a boarding setup in Renti, an experience he described as challenging but crucial for his personal and professional development. Information regarding his formal education beyond his football training is not publicly available.
Manolis Siopis Career
Early Career
Siopis progressed through the youth ranks at Olympiacos but did not make a senior appearance for the club initially. To gain first-team experience, he was sent on loan to Platanias for the 2013–2014 season, where he made his professional debut in the Super League. In 2014, he moved to Panionios on a permanent deal. It was at Panionios that Siopis began to truly establish himself as a reliable and tough-tackling midfielder, making a significant number of appearances over three seasons. His impressive performances led to a return to Olympiacos in January 2017. However, he was immediately loaned back to Panionios for the remainder of the season and the subsequent 2017–2018 season, as he was not in the immediate plans of the Olympiacos manager.
Breakthrough
A significant turning point in Siopis’s career came with his move to Aris Thessaloniki in August 2018. After a conflict with the Olympiacos administration left him out of favor, Aris provided him with a new platform. At Aris, he became a key player and his consistent, high-energy performances in the Super League caught the attention of clubs abroad. On May 5, 2019, he scored his first-ever career goal from a penalty in a dominant 7-2 victory against Xanthi. This successful season was his breakthrough, leading to a transfer to the Turkish Süper Lig club Alanyaspor in the summer of 2019, after they activated his €500,000 release clause. The move to Turkey marked a major step up in his career, providing him with a new challenge in a competitive league.
Major Achievements and Success
Siopis’s career reached its zenith during his time in Turkey. After two successful seasons with Alanyaspor under manager Erol Bulut, he signed for Turkish giants Trabzonspor in August 2021. In his very first season (2021–2022), Siopis played an integral role in the heart of the midfield as Trabzonspor won the Süper Lig title, their first in 38 years. This historic achievement is the most significant of his club career to date. He followed this up by winning the Turkish Super Cup with the same team in 2022. His success in Turkey solidified his reputation as a top-tier defensive midfielder. Internationally, Siopis made his debut for the Greece national team on May 30, 2019, and has since become a regular, earning numerous caps for his country.
Recent Work / Current Status
After a successful spell with Trabzonspor, Siopis embarked on a new challenge in British football, joining EFL Championship side Cardiff City in August 2023 on a three-year contract. He was brought to the club by his former manager Erol Bulut and quickly became a popular figure among fans for his work ethic. Siopis made numerous appearances for the Welsh club. However, in a move to return to his homeland, he completed a permanent transfer to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos on January 31, 2025, for an undisclosed fee. He currently plays for Panathinaikos in the Super League Greece, wearing the number 6 jersey.
Manolis Siopis Awards and Achievements
- Süper Lig: 2021–2022 (with Trabzonspor)
- Turkish Super Cup: 2022 (with Trabzonspor)
Manolis Siopis Personal Life & Family
Manolis Siopis is a family-oriented man. He was raised in Tychero, where his parents still live. He has two siblings; a younger brother named Dimitrios Siopis, who is also a professional footballer, and a younger sister named Syrna. Manolis is married to his long-time partner, Irene Delia. The couple tied the knot on June 14, 2025, in a ceremony held in Alexandroupoli. They have two children together: a daughter named Zoi, born around 2020, and a son named Paris, born around 2023. Siopis maintains a close relationship with his family, who have been a constant support throughout his professional journey.
Manolis Siopis Relationship Details
Manolis Siopis is married to Irene Delia. They were in a long-term relationship for several years before their marriage in June 2025. The wedding ceremony took place at the Holy Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos in Alexandroupoli. His former Panionios teammate, Spyros Risvanis, served as the best man (koumbaros). The couple shares two children, a daughter and a son, and appear to have a strong and supportive relationship based on their social media presence.
Manolis Siopis Net Worth and Income
The exact net worth of Manolis Siopis is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be between €1 million and €3 million. His primary sources of income are his professional football contracts, which include his salary and performance-based bonuses. Throughout his career, he has played for several high-profile clubs in Greece and Turkey, which have contributed significantly to his earnings. When he moved to Alanyaspor in 2019, it was reported he signed a three-year contract worth a total of €2.1 million. His transfer fees have also been notable, with Trabzonspor paying €1 million to Alanyaspor for his services in 2021. His current market value is estimated to be around €1.5 million. Specific details about any endorsement deals or business ventures are not available.
Manolis Siopis Physical Appearance
- Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Weight: 65 kg (143 lbs)
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Brown
Manolis Siopis Controversies
No major controversies have been reported involving Manolis Siopis. He is known for his professionalism and dedication on the field. The only notable incident was a conflict with the administration at Olympiacos in 2018, which led to him being exiled from the team and subsequently signing for Aris. However, this was a professional disagreement rather than a public controversy and did not tarnish his reputation.
Manolis Siopis Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Manolis Siopis
- His younger brother, Dimitrios Siopis, is also a professional footballer.
- He scored his first and only career goal for Aris Thessaloniki on May 5, 2019, in a 7-2 win against Xanthi.
- He was brought to both Alanyaspor and Cardiff City by the same manager, Erol Bulut.
- Despite being a defensive midfielder, he has represented Greece at various youth levels, including U17, U18, U19, and U21, before making his senior debut.
- In an interview, he described playing in the English Championship as the “NBA of football,” fulfilling a dream to play in the country.
Manolis Siopis Legacy and Influence
Manolis Siopis’s legacy is that of a modern, hard-working defensive midfielder whose tenacity and fighting spirit have made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for. In Turkey, he will be remembered as a key member of the historic Trabzonspor side that broke a 38-year drought to win the Süper Lig title. His influence is seen in his ability to inspire teammates through his relentless work rate and commitment. Managers like Erol Bulut have shown immense faith in his abilities, signing him for multiple clubs, which speaks volumes about his character and impact. For the Greek national team, he continues to be an important figure, providing stability and aggression in the midfield. He serves as an inspiration for aspiring young footballers in Greece, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to a successful career at the highest levels of European football.
Final Words about Manolis Siopis
Manolis Siopis’s career is a testament to dedication and resilience. From his early days at the Olympiacos academy to winning a historic league title in Turkey and competing in the English Championship, he has consistently proven his worth as a high-caliber defensive midfielder. Known for his “fighter” mentality, Siopis has earned the respect of fans, teammates, and coaches alike. His journey across different leagues has not only enriched his experience but has also highlighted his adaptability and unwavering commitment to the sport. As he continues his career with Panathinaikos and the Greek national team, Manolis Siopis remains a prominent and respected figure in European football, defined by his grit, determination, and significant achievements on the pitch.