View source for Dimitris Saravakos

{{short description|Greek footballer (born 1961)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name        = Dimitris Saravakos
| image       = Saravakos2.png
| image_size  = 140
| caption     = Dimitris Saravakos in 2009
| fullname    = Dimitrios Saravakos
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1961|07|26}}
| birth_place = [[Athens]], Greece
| death_date  =
| height = {{height|m=1.72}}
| position = [[Forward (association football)#Winger|Winger]], [[attacking midfielder]]
| currentclub = [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] (Strategic Advisor)
| youthyears1 = 1976–1977
| youthclubs1 = [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]]
| years1 = 1977–1984
| clubs1 = [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]]
| caps1  = 132
| goals1 = 35
| years2 = 1984–1994
| clubs2 = [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]
| caps2  = 252
| goals2 = 125
| years3 = 1994–1996
| clubs3 = [[AEK Athens F.C.|AEK Athens]]
| caps3  = 47
| goals3 = 21
| years4 = 1997–1998
| clubs4 = [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]
| caps4  = 2
| goals4 = 0
| totalcaps  = 433
| totalgoals = 181
| nationalyears1 = 1982–1994
| nationalteam1  = [[Greece national football team|Greece]]
| nationalcaps1  = 78
| nationalgoals1 = 22
}}

'''Dimitris Saravakos''' ({{langx|el|Δημήτρης Σαραβάκος}}; born 26 July 1961), nicknamed "'''the Kid'''" ({{langx|el|"ο Μικρός"}}), is a [[Greece|Greek]] former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Forward (association football)|forward]]. Saravakos is widely considered to be one of the greatest Greek footballers of all time and a [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] legend.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/specials/944812/top-10-oi-megalyteroi-ellines-podosfairistes|title=Top-10: Οι μεγαλύτεροι Έλληνες ποδοσφαιριστές|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=http://www.contra.gr/Longread/panathinaikos/o-pantotinos-dhmhtrhs-saravakos.4187360.html|title=Ο παντοτινός Δημήτρης Σαραβάκος|newspaper=Contra.gr|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/portraita/arthro/2309556/o-terastios-mikros-tou-ellinikou-podosferou-dimitris-saravakos|title=Ο τεράστιος "μικρός" του ελληνικού ποδοσφαίρου, Δημήτρης Σαραβάκος|date=15 July 2016|website=Newsbeast}}</ref> The [[IFFHS]] chose him in the best XI of all time of Greek football in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/sports/arthro/7940649/afti-einai-i-koryfaia-11ada-olon-ton-epochon-stin-ellada|title=This is the best 11 of all time in Greece|access-date=December 2, 2021|website=newsbeast.gr|date=25 October 2021 }}</ref>

==Club career==

===Panionios===
Saravakos started his professional career at [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]] where, at the age of 16, on 26 December 1977, he made his debut in the [[Super League Greece|championship]] against [[Egaleo F.C.|Egaleo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/stiles/to-ntempoyto-toy-dimitri-saravakoy-photos-videos.6921327.html|title=Το ντεμπούτο του Δημήτρη Σαραβάκου|website=contra.gr|date=26 December 2012 }}</ref> In his second season at Panionios, he won the [[Greek Football Cup|Greek Cup]] in [[1978–79 Greek Football Cup|1979]] defeating the then champion, [[AEK Athens F.C.|AEK Athens]] by 3–1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldfootball.gr/k2/user-page/item/237-%CF%84%CE%BF-%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8E%CF%84%CE%BF-%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BF%CF%85.html|title=Το πρώτο Κύπελλο του Πανιωνίου|first=Ευάνθης|last=Γκόγκουλης|website=oldfootball.gr|access-date=19 July 2022|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415174954/http://www.oldfootball.gr/k2/user-page/item/237-%CF%84%CE%BF-%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8E%CF%84%CE%BF-%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BF%CF%85.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the [[1981–82 Alpha Ethniki|1981–82 season]], Saravakos had the most productive year in the club as he scored 13 goals in the league, while his performances also made him an international. In his last year with Panionios he scored 10 goals in 28 appearances. On May 19, 1984, Panionios played a barrage match for their stay in the division against [[PAS Giannina F.C.|PAS Giannina]], which was decided at the extra time with Saravakos scoring in the 104th minute and giving the lead to Panionios who prevailed by 2–0.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oldfootball.gr/sansimera/item/205-%C2%AB%CE%B6%CF%89%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%8C%CF%82%C2%BB-%CE%BC%CE%B5-%CF%83%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%BF-%CE%BF-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%8E%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%82.html|title="Ζωντανός" με Σαραβάκο ο Πανιώνιος|first=Κώστας|last=Πάλλης|website=oldfootball.gr}}</ref> In total, he played in Panionios for seven years, recording 132 appearances and 35 goals in the league.

===Panathinaikos===
On June 22, 1984, Saravakos was transferred to [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] for 60 million drachmas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/otan-o-saravakos-pige-ston-panathinaiko.8106228.html|title=Όταν ο Σαραβάκος πήγε στον Παναθηναϊκό|website=sport24.gr}}</ref> In addition to Saravakos, he also acquired [[Velimir Zajec]] and the addition of the latter in combination with the presence of [[Juan Ramon Rocha]], made the midfield of the team particularly creative, thus the attacking virtues of Saravakos were fully exploited. During his first year at Panathinaikos, he was the second top scorer in the league. He scored his first goal for Panathinaikos on September 23, 1984, against [[OFI Crete F.C.|OFI]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1908ii5rpTY|title=ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΪΚΟΣ - ΟΦΗ 1984/85|date=16 November 2011 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> On 25 November 1984 he scored his first goal in [[A.E.K.–Panathinaikos rivalry|the derby of Athens]] against AEK in a 3–2 win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/videos/panathinaikos-aek-3-2-1984-85.7973684.html|title=Παναθηναϊκός-ΑΕΚ 3-2 (1984-85)|website=sport24.gr}}</ref> On 20 February 1985 he also scored in the [[derby of the eternal enemies]] against [[Olympiacos F.C.|Olympiacos]] in a 2–1 for the Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXcF6YdbAsQ|title=1985-02-20 ΠΑΟ-ΟΣΦΠ=2-1 ΚΥΠ part 2| date=29 June 2011 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In the [[UEFA Champions League|European Cup]] his presence was decisive for the qualification of Panathinaikos to the [[1984–85 European Cup#Semi-finals|semi-finals]] of the institution. Panathinaikos, having qualified against [[Feyenoord]], faced [[Linfield F.C.|Linfield]] and in the rematch found themselves losing in Ireland by 3–0. Saravakos' goal started the counterattack that led to the equalizer and the qualification.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://repress.gr/1984-o-miniskos-toy-tarasi-kai-i-antarsia-t/|title=1984: Ο μηνίσκος του Ταράση και η ανταρσία του Μήνου στο έπος του ΠΑΟ κόντρα στη Λίνφιλντ – Repress.gr|first=Panagis|last=says|date=17 July 2019}}</ref> In the next round, Saravakos creating an excellent attacking duo with [[Thanasis Dimopoulos]], scored against [[IFK Göteborg|Göteborg]] in [[Gamla Ullevi]] giving Panathinaikos the victory. In the second leg, his goal at the 78th minute, equalized at 2–2, leading his team to the semi-finals of the competition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.palaimaxoipanathinaikou.gr/9117/o-athlos-epi-tis-gketemporgk-to-1985/|title=Ο άθλος επί της Γκέτεμποργκ το 1985 &#124; ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΠΑΛΑΙΜΑΧΩΝ ΑΘΛΗΤΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΙΚΟΥ|date=20 March 2013}}</ref>

In the following season Saravakos won the domestic double. In the Cup he scored in the semi-final against AEK the goal that sent the "greens" to the final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raIG153K68s|title=1985-86 ΚΥΠΕΛΛΟ ΗΜΙΤΕΛΙΚΟΣ (2) ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΙΚΟΣ-ΑΕΚ|date=13 May 2018 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> There, he scored 2 goals in the imposing 4–0 win over Olympiacos, which is also the biggest victory in a final of eternal enemies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.gr/stili/h-mixani-tou-xronou/article/751060/prasinos-peripatos-ston-teliko-vidpics|title=Πράσινος... περίπατος στον τελικό|website=gazzetta.gr}}</ref> In the UEFA Cup, his two goals in each leg, against [[Torino F.C.|Torino]] were not enough to qualify them for the next round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/67526--panathinaikos-vs-torino/|title=Panathinaikos-Torino &#124; UEFA Europa League 1985/86|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/67525--torino-vs-panathinaikos/|title=Torino-Panathinaikos &#124; UEFA Europa League 1985/86|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref>

On May 3, 1987, he scored his fastest goal in a derby, in the first minute of the match against AEK which ended 0–3.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS0EFiyEoDw|title=ΑΕΚ - ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΪΚΟΣ 1986/87|date=21 October 2011 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In the European Cup, the "greens" were close to a big comeback against [[Red Star Belgrade|Red Star]], when with goals from Saravakos and Dimopoulos, found themselves winning in the rematch with 2–0, one goal away from the tie of the first match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/4096--panathinaikos-vs-crvena-zvezda/|title=Panathinaikos-Crvena zvezda UEFA Champions League 1986/87|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref>

On November 8, 1987, he scored in a 1–4 win against Olympiacos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXgbS3iQFwM|title=1987-88 ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΣ-ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΪΚΟΣ 1-4|date=29 April 2021 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In the UEFA Cup by scoring against [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]], he secured Panathinaikos' qualification to the second leg.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/4253--auxerre-vs-panathinaikos/|title=Auxerre-Panathinaikos UEFA Europa League 1987/88|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> In the first match of the next round, he scored a goal with an excellent shot outside the area, and gave Panathinaikos a 1–0 victory against [[Juventus FC|Juventus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/4890--panathinaikos-vs-juventus/|title=Panathinaikos-Juventus UEFA Europa League 1987/88|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> On the rematch he opened the score and led the club to the next round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/4891--juventus-vs-panathinaikos/|title=Juventus-Panathinaikos &#124; UEFA Europa League 1987/88|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> In fact, the big Italian team after their elimination showed interest in acquiring him, without proceeding with a proposal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.e-daily.gr/themata/152064/giati-o-dimitris-saravakos-den-epaixe-pote-sti-giouventous|title=Why Saravakos didn't wear the Juventus jersey|access-date =2 December 2021}}</ref> In the next round, Panathinaikos found themselves losing with 5–0 by [[Budapest Honvéd FC|Honvéd]] in [[Hungary]]. Saravakos did not give up the effort and reduced it to 5–2 with 2 goals, resulting in Panathinaikos winning 5–1 in the second leg and qualifying.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/4896--honved-vs-panathinaikos/|title=Honvéd-Panathinaikos UEFA Europa League 1987/88|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> In the [[1987–88 UEFA Cup#Quarter-finals|quarter-finals]] his goal against [[Club Brugge KV|Club Brugge]] was not enough for them to qualify.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/4914--panathinaikos-vs-club-brugge/|title=Panathinaikos-Club Brugge UEFA Europa League 1987/88|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> In the Cup, Saravakos scored three goals in total on both legs against the then champion, [[Athlitiki Enosi Larissa F.C.|AEL]] and the "greens" qualified to the final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIjlMWnHfcM|title=ΑΕΛ-Παναθηναϊκός 1-3 Ημιτελικός κυπέλλου 1987-88|date=12 May 2013 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eUugc6Emp0|title=ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΪΚΟΣ - ΛΑΡΙΣΑ 1987/88|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Facing Olympiacos again, the duo of Saravakos-Dimopoulos was successful again as with their 2 goals, Panathinaikos claimed the title on penalties, where they won 4–3.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6KuSAlomfA|title=Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 4-3 (2-2) (ΤΕΛΙΚΟΣ 1988)|date=23 December 2010 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

In June 1988 the then president of Olympiacos, [[George Koskotas]], offered Saravakos the "unrealistic" amount for the Greek data of 600 million drachmas,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://menshouse.gr/bala/103278/o-koskotas-o-saravakos-kai-i-mythiki-protasi-600-ekatommyrion-gia-na-ypograpsei-ston-olympiako|title=Ο Κοσκωτάς, ο Σαραβάκος και η μυθική πρόταση 600 εκατομμυρίων για να υπογράψει στον Ολυμπιακό|website=menshouse.gr}}</ref> but failed to dress the athlete in the red and white shirt. On 24 August 1988 he won the [[Greek Super Cup|Super Cup]] against AEL winning 3–1.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7T3koPFrCE | title=ΑΕΛ-Παναθηναϊκός 1-3 Σούπερ καπ 1988-89 Στιγμιότυπα | website=[[YouTube]] | date=12 May 2013 }}</ref> At the end of the season, Panathinaikos emerged as the Cup winner again with Saravakos, scoring a goal in the final against Panionios.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcj_XEZ-Scc|title=Τελικός Κυπέλλου Ελλάδας 1989 Παναθηναϊκός Πανιώνιος 3-1|date=19 May 2022 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

In the summer of 1989, Panathinaikos acquired the striker [[Krzysztof Warzycha]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sdna.gr/podosfairo/668224_otan-o-panathinaikos-anakoinose-ton-bazeha|title=Όταν ο Παναθηναϊκός ανακοίνωσε τον Βαζέχα|date=9 December 2019|website=sdna.gr}}</ref> who connected perfectly with Saravakos and the two of them led the club to the championship in 1990. On February 25, 1990, Saravakos played for the third time in his career in a match where Panathinaikos scored 4 goals against Olympiacos, winning 3–4 in the [[Karaiskakis Stadium]], with him as the captain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMdTZLw7FQQ|title=Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 3-4 (1989-90)|date=23 December 2010 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In the semi-final of the Greek Cup, Saravakos scored a hat trick against Olympiacos, but the final score of 3–3 was not enough to overturn the 2–1 score of the first match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldfootball.gr/sansimera/item/133-dermpi-gemato-gol-3-3-kai-diaititika-lathi.html|title=Ντέρμπι γεμάτο γκολ 3-3 και διαιτητικά λάθη|first=Γιάννης|last=Σάντολης|website=oldfootball.gr}}</ref> In the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|Cup Winners' Cup]] he scored a goal in Panathinaikos' 3–2 win over [[Swansea City F.C.|Swansea]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/podosfairo/otan-o-panathinaikos-idrose-gia-na-apokleisei-oyaliki-omada-3is-katigorias.7582226.html|title=Όταν ο Παναθηναϊκός ίδρωσε για να αποκλείσει ουαλική ομάδα 3ης κατηγορίας|website=contra.gr|date=12 February 2020 }}</ref>

The next season, Saravakos emerged as the league's top scorer with 23 goals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesg/grk91.html|title=Greece 1990/91|website=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref> Panathinaikos won another double by finishing first, while they were also crowned Cup winners with 10 goals by Saravakos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/media/o-panathinaikos-tis-sezon-1990-91-sto-novasportsstories-hd.8540841.html|title=Ο Παναθηναϊκός της σεζόν 1990-91 στο Novasportsstories HD|website=sport24.gr}}</ref>

The season 1991–92 was the most prolific in goals in the league for Saravakos who scored 24 goals. On January 26, 1992, he scored in a 3–0 victory over Olympiacos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/videos/panathinaikos-olympiakos-3-0-1991-1992.8081348.html|title=Παναθηναϊκός - Ολυμπιακός 3-0 1991 1992|website=sport24.gr}}</ref> On 9 February 1992, with his 2 goals in 2 minutes, Panathinaikos prevailed 2–0 over AEK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport24.gr/videos/1991-92-panathinaikos-aek-2-0-saravakos.7973703.html|title=1991-92 PANATHINAIKOS-AEK 2-0 SARAVAKOS|website=sport24.gr}}</ref> In the quarter-finals of the Cup, Saravakos' goal gave Panathinaikos a qualifying score over Olympiacos, until the 90th minute, when they were equalized and eliminated on away goals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fosonline.gr/podosfairo/article/90228/panathinaikos-olympiakos-1-1-h-revans-kypelloy-toy-1992-poy-kaname-kopana-apo-to-sxoleio|title=Παναθηναϊκός-Ολυμπιακός 1-1: Η ρεβάνς Κυπέλλου του 1992, που κάναμε κοπάνα από το σχολείο (pics-vid)|first=ΦΩΣ|last=TEAM|website=fosonline.gr|date=8 April 2020 }}</ref> In Europe, Saravakos led Panathinaikos to the groups of the first edition of the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]]. In the qualifying matches against Göteborg, he scored 3 of Panathinaikos' 4 goals. The first match ended in favor of Panathinaikos 2–0 with Saravakos opening the score.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/4654--panathinaikos-vs-goteborg/events/|title=Panathinaikos-Göteborg UEFA Champions League 1991/92|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> In the rematch, the Swedish were leading 2–0, equaling the result of the first match, but with 2 goals, Saravakos tied at 2-2 and led Panathinaikos to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/4655--goteborg-vs-panathinaikos/|title=Göteborg-Panathinaikos UEFA Champions League 1991/92|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> An important moment for Saravakos was his participation in [[World XI]] alongside [[Stratos Apostolakis]] in 1992 in a protest match due to the [[Iraqi invasion of Kuwait|invasion]] of [[Kuwait]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trifilara.gr/tag/mikti-kosmou-1992/|title=ΜΙΚΤΗ ΚΟΣΜΟΥ 1992 Archives}}</ref>

In the 1992–93 season, Saravakos won the Cup with Panathinaikos,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.contra.gr/stiles/o-telikos-toy-vazecha-kai-ton-koyremenon.6901150.html|title=Ο τελικός του Βαζέχα και των... κουρεμένων|website=contra.gr|date=18 March 2012 }}</ref> while participating in the European competitions, where the "greens" set a goal record, both in one match and in the total of the 2 matches against [[FC Caracal (2004)|Electroputere Craiova]] with 10 goals with him scoring once.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/6169/|title=Extensiv-PanathinaikosUEFA Europa League 1992/93|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/6170/|title=Panathinaikos-Extensiv UEFA Europa League 1992/93|website=[[UEFA]]}}</ref> On August 18 of 1993 he scored the decider against AEK for the Super Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbEqO_5c2Q8|title=ΑΕΚ - ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΪΚΟΣ 1993|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

In the 1993–94 season, he won for the 6th time in his career the Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.gr/stili/h-mixani-tou-xronou/article/730979/o-telikos-thriler-panathinaikos-aek-1994-vid|title=Ο τελικός... θρίλερ Παναθηναϊκός-ΑΕΚ το 1994|website=gazzetta.gr}}</ref> On November 2, 1993, Saravakos played for the last time in his career with Panathinaikos in a European competition in the away victory against [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]] with 1–2, opening the scoring in the 6th minute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4h2XlPnFy4|title=ΛΕΒΕΡΚΟΥΖΕΝ 1 - 2 ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΙΚΟΣ 1993|date=9 September 2012 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

===AEK Athens===
In the summer of 1994, his contract was not renewed and Saravakos left Panathinaikos, at the age of 33, signing for AEK Athens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apodytiriakias.gr/athlitika/2018/04/18/giati-o-saravakos-efuge-apo-panathinaiko,-giati-pige-aek.aspx|title=ΓΙΑΤΙ Ο ΣΑΡΑΒΑΚΟΣ ΕΦΥΓΕ ΑΠΟ ΠΑΝΑΘΗΝΑΪΚΟ, ΓΙΑΤΙ ΠΗΓΕ ΑΕΚ|website=apodytiriakias.gr}}</ref> On August 10, 1994, he played in his first official match with AEK, which was one of the most memorable with their shirt against [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] securing the qualification to the [[1994–95 UEFA Champions League#Group stage|Champions League group stage]] for the first time in their history. Saravakos with his 2 goals in the first match, gave the victory to AEK, which prevailed in the rematch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://menshouse.gr/%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b1%ce%be%ce%b9%ce%bd%cf%8c%ce%bc%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%b1/89585/i-vradia-poy-latrepsan-kai-oi-aektsides-ton-saravako|title=Η βραδιά που λάτρεψαν (και) οι ΑΕΚτσήδες τον Σαραβάκο|website=menshouse.gr}}</ref> His presence in the league was equally satisfactory as he emerged as the second scorer with 21 goals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kitrinomavro.gr/aekpedia/2015/05/24/%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AE%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%83%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%82/|title=Δημήτρης Σαραβάκος|website=kitrinomavro.gr}}</ref> On 1 April 1995 he scored for the last time in the derby against Olympiacos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTnJivTOjOE|title=1994-95 (26) ΑΕΚ-ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΣ|date=17 February 2014 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> At the end of the season they lost the Cup in final against Panathinaikos, where he lost a crucial penalty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sdna.gr/monimes-stiles/san-simera/article/589528/mitsara-vazela-vgale-ti-fanela-vid|title="Μητσάρα βαζέλα, βγάλε τη φανέλα" (vid)|date=19 April 2019|website=sdna.gr}}</ref>

In the following season with the "yellow-blacks", he won his third another Super Cup against his former club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pentapostagma.gr/athlitismos/6796737_san-simera-1996-i-aek-sikonei-super-cup-meta-apo-ametrita-penalti-binteo|title=Σαν σήμερα το 1996: Η ΑΕΚ σηκώνει το Super Cup μετά από αμέτρητα πέναλτι (βίντεο)|date=11 August 2019|website=Pentapostagma}}</ref> On 3 December 1995 he scores his last goal for the "yellow-blacks" with a direct corner kick in a 4–0 against OFI.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.novasports.gr/sport/podosfairo/event/super-league-1/article/1753576/aek-ofi-4-0-to-teleytaio-gkol-toy-sarabakoy-itan-me-korner-video/ | title=AEK - ΟΦΗ 4-0, το τελευταίο γκολ του Σαραβάκου ήταν με κόρνερ (Video) &#124; Novasports | date=3 April 2020 }}</ref> His advanced age and the injuries he was facing had a result not to offer much at the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aek365.org/a-825823/to-gkol-antio-tou-dhmhtrh-sarabakou-sthn-aek-video.htm|title=Το γκολ-αντίο του Δημήτρη Σαραβάκου στην ΑΕΚ|website=aek365.org}}</ref> AEK played incredible football and won the Cup<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/Stories/aek-apollwn-smurnis-o-istorikos-telikos-kupellou-tou-1996/4178931|title="Ενέργειες που γίνονται με κομπιούτερ": Η ιστορική επτάρα της ΑΕΚ στον Απόλλωνα στον τελικό του '96|website=sport-fm.gr}}</ref> but finished second in the league. At the end of the year, AEK, respecting his contribution to the club, released him by terminating his contract by mutual consent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://taexopareikranio.gr/%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AE%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%83%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%82-480|title=Δημήτρης Σαραβάκος |website=taexopareikranio.gr}}</ref>

===Retirement===
In the summer of 1997 after a year of absence from football <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tanea.gr/1997/07/19/sports/etoimos-se-ena-mina/|title=Έτοιμος σε ένα μήνα|date=19 July 1997|website=tanea.gr}}</ref> Saravakos returned to Panathinaikos to end his career in his favorite club. He competed in just 2 league games before retiring in the summer of 1998.

He is the leading scorer in history with 16 goals in the [[Derby of the eternal enemies]].<ref name="auto"/> He kept the record for the best Greek scorer in [[UEFA]] competitions, with 25 goals, before he was surpassed by [[Demis Nikolaidis]].

==International career==
Saravakos was a key member of [[Greece national football team|Greece]], with whom he competed between 1982 and 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesg/grk-intres81.html|title=Greece - International Matches 1981-1990|website=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesg/grk-intres91.html|title=Greece - International Matches 1991-2000|website=[[RSSSF]]}}</ref> He is fourth top scorer in the history of the national team with 22 goals in 78 appearances. He was part of the team that claimed qualification for the [[UEFA Euro 1988]] and contributed to the great success of qualifying for the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]] in the [[United States]].

He also played for the Mediterranean team in the [[1983 Mediterranean Games]] in [[Casablanca]], [[Morocco]], where on 11/9/83 he scored the team's second goal in a 2–1 against [[Libya national football team|Libya]]. In 1983 he participated in 4 matches with the [[Greece national under-23 football team|Olympic team]].

==Style of play==
Saravakos was one of the most popular and charismatic players of Greek football.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.contra.gr/Longread/panathinaikos/o-pantotinos-dhmhtrhs-saravakos.4187360.html|title=The Eternal Dimitris Saravakos|newspaper=Contra.gr|language=en|access-date=2017-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.leoforos.gr/football/story/100926/o-terastios-mikros-dimitris-saravakos-vids-pics|title=The huge "little one", Dimitris Saravakos (vids+pics)|last=Giannoulis|first=Christos|newspaper=Leoforos. gr|access-date=2016-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107160453/http://www.leoforos.gr/football/story/100926/o-terastios-mikros-dimitris-saravakos-vids-pics|archive-date=2016-11-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> He possessed excellent technical training and footballing intelligence, with a strong emphasis on finishing, game development and a keen ability to score goals, being regarded as one of the most effective takers in all foul and penalty kicks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.contra.gr/Longread/panathinaikos/o-pantotinos-dhmhtrhs-saravakos.4187360.html|title=O pantotinos Dimitris Saravakos|newspaper=Contra.gr|language=en|access-date=2017-03-22}}</ref>

==After football==
Since 2013 he serves as Strategic Adviser for Panathinaikos a position created especially for him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbeast.gr/sports/arthro/523828/epistrefei-o-saravakos-ston-pao|title=Επιστρέφει ο Σαραβάκος στον ΠΑΟ|date=25 April 2013|website=newsbeast.gr}}</ref>

==Personal life==
His father [[Thanasis Saravakos|Thanasis]], was also an international footballer of Panionios.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mixanitouxronou.gr/saravakos-o-pateras-toy-gkoltzi-toy-panathinaikoy-itan-ki-aytos-akatamachitos-stis-triples-ton-apokaloysan-svoyra-kai-oi-amyntikoi-ton-stamatagan-mono-me-ta-cheria-epaixe-mono-ston-panionio-kai-kat/|title=Σαραβάκος. Ο πατέρας του γκολτζή του Παναθηναϊκού ήταν κι αυτός ακαταμάχητος στις τρίπλες. Τον αποκαλούσαν σβούρα και οι αμυντικοί τον σταμάταγαν μόνο με τα χέρια. Έπαιξε μόνο στον Πανιώνιο και κατήγγειλε απόπειρα δωροδοκίας|date=1 March 2018|website=mixanitouxronou.gr}}</ref>

==Honours==

'''Panionios'''
*[[Greek Football Cup|Greek Cup]]: [[1978–79 Greek Football Cup|1978–79]]

'''Panathinaikos'''
*[[Super League Greece|Greek Championship]]: [[1985–86 Alpha Ethniki|1985–86]], [[1989–90 Alpha Ethniki|1989–90]], [[1990–91 Alpha Ethniki|1990–91]]
*Greek Cup: [[1985–86 Greek Football Cup|1985–86]], [[1987–88 Greek Football Cup|1987–88]], [[1988–89 Greek Football Cup|1988–89]], [[1990–91 Greek Football Cup|1990–91]], [[1992–93 Greek Football Cup|1992–93]], [[1993–94 Greek Football Cup|1993–94]]
*[[Greek Super Cup]]: [[1988 Greek Super Cup|1988]], [[1993 Greek Super Cup|1993]]

'''AEK Athens'''
*Greek Cup: [[1995–96 Greek Football Cup|1995–96]]

==Statistics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! rowspan=2 | Club
! rowspan=2 | Season
! colspan=3 | [[Super League Greece|League]]
! colspan=2 | [[Greek Football Cup|Cup]]
! colspan=2 | [[Greek Super Cup|Super Cup]]
! colspan=2 | [[Greek League Cup|League Cup]]
! colspan=2 | [[UEFA|Europe]]
! colspan=2 | Total 
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!
|-
| rowspan=8 | [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]]
| [[1977–78 Alpha Ethniki|1977–78]]
| [[Alpha Ethniki]]
| 1
| 0
| ?
| 0
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 1+
| 0
|-
| [[1978–79 Alpha Ethniki|1978–79]]
| Alpha Ethniki 
| 9
| 0
| 1
| 0
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 10
| 0
|-
| [[1979–80 Alpha Ethniki|1979–80]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 12
| 0
| 0
| 0
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 12
| 0
|-
| [[1980–81 Alpha Ethniki|1980–81]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 33
| 4
| 3
| 2
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 36
| 6
|-
| [[1981–82 Alpha Ethniki|1981–82]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 31
| 13
| ?
| 0
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 31+
| 13
|-
| [[1982–83 Alpha Ethniki|1982–83]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 28
| 8
| 2
| 0
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 30
| 8
|-
| [[1983–84 Alpha Ethniki|1983–84]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 28
| 10
| 8
| 5
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 36
| 15
|-
|-
! colspan=2 | Total
! 142
! 35
! 14+
! 7
! 0
! 0
! 0
! 0
! 0
! 0
! 156+
! 42
|-
| rowspan=11 | [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]
| [[1984–85 Alpha Ethniki|1984–85]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 23
| 15
| ?
| 1
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 8
| 3
| 31+
| 19
|-
| [[1985–86 Alpha Ethniki|1985–86]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 29
| 15
| ?
| 5
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 2
| 2
| 31+
| 22
|-
| [[1986–87 Alpha Ethniki|1986–87]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 23
| 13
| ?
| 4
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 2
| 1
| 25+
| 18
|-
| [[1987–88 Alpha Ethniki|1987–88]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 26
| 5
| ?
| 9
| 1
| 0
| —
| —
| 8
| 6
| 35+
| 20
|-
| [[1988–89 Alpha Ethniki|1988–89]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 25
| 5
| ?
| 7
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 2
| 0
| 27+
| 12
|-
| [[1989–90 Alpha Ethniki|1989–90]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 24
| 11
| ?
| 8
| —
| —
| 4
| 3
| 3
| 3
| 31+
| 25
|-
| [[1990–91 Alpha Ethniki|1990–91]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 30
| 23
| ?
| 10
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 2
| 1
| 32+
| 34
|-
| [[1991–92 Alpha Ethniki|1991–92]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 33
| 24
| ?
| 3
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 10
| 3
| 43+
| 30
|-
| [[1992–93 Alpha Ethniki|1992–93]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 14
| 2
| ?
| 2
| 1
| 1
| —
| —
| 2
| 1
| 17+
| 6
|-
| [[1993–94 Alpha Ethniki|1993–94]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 25
| 15
| ?
| 0
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 4
| 3
| 29+
| 18
|-
|-
! colspan=2 | Total
! 252
! 125
! ?
! 49
! 2
! 1
! 4
! 3
! 43
! 23
! 299+
! 201
|-
| rowspan=3 | [[AEK Athens F.C.|AEK Athens]]
| [[1994–95 Alpha Ethniki|1994–95]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 30
| 21
| 10
| 3
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 8
| 2
| 48
| 26
|-
| [[1995–96 Alpha Ethniki|1995–96]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 17
| 1
| 7
| 4
| —
| —
| —
| —
| 3
| 0
| 27
| 5
|-
|-
! colspan=2 | Total
! 47
! 22
! 17
! 7
! 0
! 0
! 0
! 0
! 11
! 2
! 75
! 31
|-
| [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]
| [[1997–98 Alpha Ethniki|1997–98]]
| Alpha Ethniki
| 2
| 0
| ?
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 0
| 2+
| 0
|-
! colspan=3 | Career Total
! 443
! 185
! 31+
! 63
! 2
! 1
! 4
! 3
! 54
! 25
! 534+
! 277
|-

{{Fb cs footer |u=2022-07-19 |s={{NFT player|pid=14366}}|date=July 2022}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{sports links}}
*[https://www.facebook.com/dimitrisaravakos/ Dimitris Saravakos official Facebook page]

{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|fg=navy
|bg=gold
|list1=
{{Super League Greece top scorers}}
{{Greek Cup top scorers}}
{{UEFA Europa League top scorers}}
}}
{{Greece squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saravakos, Dimitris}}
[[Category:Panathinaikos F.C. players]]
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[[Category:1961 births]]
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[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
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[[Category:Greek men's footballers]]
[[Category:Panathinaikos F.C. non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football wingers]]
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[[Category:20th-century Greek sportsmen]]