View source for Georgios Samaras

{{Short description|Greek footballer (born 1985)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Georgios Samaras
| image = Georgios Samaras (cropped2).jpg
| caption = Samaras with [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] in 2010
| full_name = Georgios Samaras<ref name=Hugman>{{Hugman|25216|access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|2|21|df=y}}<ref name=Hugman/>
| birth_place = [[Heraklion]], Greece
| height = 1.92 m<ref>{{cite web | title = 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players | url = https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2014/pdf/fwc_2014_squadlists.pdf | publisher = FIFA | page = 18 | date = 11 June 2014 | access-date = 27 September 2014 | archive-date = 1 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200201131956/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2014/pdf/fwc_2014_squadlists.pdf | url-status = dead}}</ref>
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]]
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1994–2000
| youthclubs1 = [[OFI Crete F.C.|OFI]]
| youthyears2 = 2000–2002
| youthclubs2 = [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]]
| years1 = 2002–2006
| clubs1 = [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]]
| caps1 = 88
| goals1 = 25
| years2 = 2006–2008
| clubs2 = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
| caps2 = 54
| goals2 = 8
| years3 = 2008
| clubs3 = → [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (loan)
| caps3 = 16
| goals3 = 5
| years4 = 2008–2014
| clubs4 = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| caps4 = 156
| goals4 = 48
| years5 = 2014–2015
| clubs5 = [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]
| caps5 = 5
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2015
| clubs6 = → [[Al-Hilal FC|Al-Hilal]] (loan)
| caps6 = 5
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2016–2017
| clubs7 = [[Rayo OKC]]
| caps7 = 24
| goals7 = 2
| years8 = 2017
| clubs8 = [[Real Zaragoza|Zaragoza]]
| caps8 = 7
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2017–2018
| clubs9 = [[Samsunspor]]
| caps9 = 25
| goals9 = 2
| totalcaps = 380
| totalgoals = 90
| nationalyears1 = 2004–2006
| nationalteam1 = [[Greece national under-21 football team|Greece U21]]
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2006–2014
| nationalteam2 = [[Greece national football team|Greece]]
| nationalcaps2 = 81
| nationalgoals2 = 9
}}

'''Georgios Samaras''' ({{langx|el|Γεώργιος Σαμαράς}}, {{IPA|el|ˈʝorɣos samaˈras|pron}}; born 21 February 1985) is a Greek former professional [[association football|footballer]] who played as a [[forward (association football)|forward]].

Samaras started his career at [[OFI Crete F.C.|OFI]], before moving on to [[Eredivisie]] side [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]] in 2001. He made his first team debut two years later and after a further three seasons with the club he moved to [[Premier League]] club [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] for a fee of £6 million in [[2006–07 Manchester City F.C. season|2006]]. After [[Sven-Göran Eriksson]] took over as manager Samaras fell out of favour with the first team. In January 2008 he was loaned out to [[Scottish Premier League]] team [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]], moving on a permanent basis in the summer.

Samaras helped Celtic win [[list of Scottish football champions|Scottish league championships]] in [[2007–08 Scottish Premier League|2008]], [[2011–12 Scottish Premier League|2012]], [[2012–13 Scottish Premier League|2013]] and [[2013–14 Scottish Premiership|2014]], totalling 74 goals in 249 competitive games. He left the club at the end of his contract in 2014 and returned to the Premier League with [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]], where he featured rarely and had an unsuccessful loan to [[Al-Hilal FC|Al-Hilal]] in Saudi Arabia. In March 2016, he joined [[North American Soccer League (2011–2017)|North American Soccer League]] expansion team [[Rayo OKC]], and when they shut down after one season he signed for [[Real Zaragoza]]. He then played for [[Turkey|Turkish]] team [[Samsunspor]] before retiring in 2018.

Although eligible to play for [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]], because his father [[Ioannis Samaras]] was born in [[Melbourne, Australia|Melbourne]], Samaras chose to represent his country of birth, [[Greece national football team|Greece]]. He made his debut in 2006, and became a regular over the next eight years, earning 81 caps and scoring 9 goals. He represented his country at [[UEFA Euro 2008|Euro 2008]], the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]], [[UEFA Euro 2012|Euro 2012]] and the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]].

==Early life==
Samaras was born in [[Heraklion]], the capital city of the Greek island of [[Crete]]<ref name="Hugman" /> to a [[Melbourne]]-born father who had settled back in Greece before Georgios' birth.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lynch|first=Michael|date=2006-05-24|title=Star who slipped the net|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/star-who-slipped-the-net-20060524-ge2dif.html|access-date=2021-08-25|website=The Age|archive-date=25 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825053311/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/star-who-slipped-the-net-20060524-ge2dif.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His grandfather, also called Georgios, was from [[Arnaia]]<ref>[https://www.dokari.gr/sports/podosfairo/story/12219/thrinei-o-giorgos-samaras-ehase-ena-apo-ta-pio-agapimena-toy-prosopa Θρηνεί ο Γιώργος Σαμαρά dokari.gt]</ref> and was also one of the founders of Australian side [[South Melbourne FC]].

His favourite footballer growing up was [[Marco van Basten]]. Samaras was also a keen basketball fan and his father, [[Ioannis Samaras]], often let him stay up until the early hours of the morning so he could watch his hero [[Michael Jordan]].<ref>{{cite book
|title=The Official Celtic FC Annual 2010
|year=2009
|publisher= Grange Communications
|isbn=978-1-906211-74-5
|page=58}}</ref>

In 1994, when he was 10 years old, Samaras joined his boyhood heroes, [[OFI Crete F.C.|OFI]].<ref>{{cite book
|title=The Official Celtic FC Annual 2011|year=2010|publisher= Grange Communications|isbn=978-1-907104-60-2|page=59}}</ref> His father was playing for them at the time and then retired in 1996. Six months later, he became Academy chief manager, a position he retained until 2000, when he became manager. Samaras credits his father highly with helping start his football career. His influence meant that Samaras trained every day of his childhood and he also got to spend a lot of time behind the scenes at OFI. Samaras left for [[Eredivisie]] club [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/207/207404_city_samaras_can_be_the_new_goat.html|title=City: Samaras can be the new Goat|work=Manchester Evening News|date=10 March 2006|access-date=27 November 2011|archive-date=18 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118203929/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/207/207404_city_samaras_can_be_the_new_goat.html|url-status=live
 }}</ref>

==Club career==

===Heerenveen===
Samaras broke into the Heerenveen team during the [[2002–03 Eredivisie|2002–03 season]], still aged only 18. He scored three goals in his first four appearances, all of which were from the bench.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heerenveen braced for Samaras loss|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01b1-0e6d5db52060-be4543cc1776-1000--heerenveen-braced-for-samaras-loss/|publisher=UEFA|date=28 January 2006|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-date=17 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117215052/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=389866.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This form prompted Heerenveen activate a three-year extension clause in his contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2262588/|title=Heerenveen put faith in youth|publisher=Sky Sports|date= 10 April 2003|access-date=29 November 2011|archive-date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118053257/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2262588/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Samaras' first goal of the [[2003–04 Eredivisie|2003–04 season]] came, on 25 October, in a shock 2–1 loss for Heerenveen against [[N.E.C. (football club)|NEC Nijmegen]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2279639/|title=Eredivisie Round-Up|publisher=Sky Sports|date=25 October 2003|access-date=8 December 2011|archive-date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118081854/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2279639/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 December, Samaras scored as Heerenveen beat [[ADO Den Haag]] 2–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2282835/|title=Eredivisie round-up|publisher=Sky Sports|date=3 December 2003|access-date=8 December 2011|archive-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171855/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2282835|url-status=live}}</ref> His next goal came 10 days later as he scored an equaliser to secure a draw 1–1 for Heerenveen against [[RBC Roosendaal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2283821/|title=Eredivisie round-up|publisher=Sky Sports|date=13 December 2003|access-date=8 December 2011|archive-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171856/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2283821|url-status=live}}</ref> He then scored on 20 December, as Heerenveen beat [[Roda JC Kerkrade|Roda JC]] 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2284740/|title=Eredivisie Round-Up|publisher=Sky Sports|date=20 December 2003|access-date =  8 December 2011|archive-date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118101314/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2284740/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Samaras' first goal of the [[2004–05 Eredivisie|2004–05 season]] came on 11 September, in a 2–0 win over [[De Graafschap]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2310263/|title=Eredivisie Round-up|publisher=Sky Sports|date=11 September 2004|access-date=8 December 2011|archive-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171855/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2310263|url-status=live}}</ref> He then scored a last-minute winner on 3 October, as Heerenveen secure all three points against ADO Den Haag.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2312640/
 | title =  Eredivisie Round-up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  3 October 2004
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118060333/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2312640/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 28 November, Samaras scored one of Heerenveen's goals as they staged a late comeback against title-chasing [[Feyenoord]], and secured a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2318384/
 | title =  Eredivisie Round-Up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  28 November 2004
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118101322/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11912/2318384/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> He then scored on 22 January, as Heerenveen, who were performing very well in the Eredivisie, beat [[FC Den Bosch|Den Bosch]] 2–1.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2324771/
 | title =  Eredivisie round-up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  22 January 2004
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118051019/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11914/2324771/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 12 March, Samaras scored an equaliser against [[RKC Waalwijk]], but Heerenveen then conceded a late goal and fell to a 2–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2329355/
 | title =  Eredivisie round-up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  12 March 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118101305/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2329355/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 2 April, Samaras scored to help Heerenveen secure a shock 2–1 victory over [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11913/2331391/
 | title =  Eredivisie round-up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  2 April 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118050856/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11913/2331391/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> A fortnight later, Samaras scored the equaliser as Heerenveen came from behind to beat [[Vitesse Arnhem]] 3–1. This win moved Heerenveen up to fifth in the table.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2332681/
 | title =  Eredivisie round-up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  16 April 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118101257/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2332681/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> In the next match Samaras, along with [[Klaas-Jan Huntelaar]], scored a hat-trick as relegation candidates [[RBC Roosendaal]] were defeated 7–1 and Heerenveen pushed to finish the league in a European spot.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2333412/
 | title =  Heerenveen hit seven
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  22 April 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  6 April 2013
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20130406060642/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2333412/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

At the start of the [[2005–06 Eredivisie|2005–06 season]], [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] were reported to be interested in Samaras as a replacement for [[Júlio Baptista]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/2345091/
 | title =  Sevilla target Kanoute
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  9 August 2005
 | access-date =  29 November 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118101253/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/2345091/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> While [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] were also looking at him after they had missed out on signing Baptista, some news organisations had reported that Arsenal had already signed Samaras and that he would join at the end of the season. However, the player's father, [[Ioannis Samaras]] said that this was untrue and that his son wanted to stay at the club for another year.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/2338526/
 | title =  Gunners rumour scotched
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  31 July 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  15 February 2016
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171855/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/2338526
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Samaras scored on the opening day of the season, on 20 August, when he helped Heerenveen to a 5–4 victory over [[Roda JC Kerkrade|Roda JC]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11913/2346569/
 | title =  Eredivisie Round-Up
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  20 August 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118060246/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11913/2346569/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> He picked up a minor leg injury in September, which ruled him out of Heerenveen's [[UEFA Cup]] tie against [[FC Baník Ostrava|Baník Ostrava]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2348143/
 | title =  Kissi out of Uefa Cup tie
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  14 September 2005
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118052623/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2348143/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> But he returned to action on 23 September, and scored as Heerenveen beat NEC Nijmegen 2–1.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2350208/
 | title =  Heerenveen beat NEC
 | publisher =  Sky Sports
 | date =  23 September 2005
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118081904/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11917/2350208/
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 14 December, Samaras scored as Heerenveen came back from behind to beat [[PFC Levski Sofia|Levski Sofia]] 2–1 in the UEFA Cup.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/81989--heerenveen-vs-levski/
 | title =  Heerenveen-Levski
 | publisher =  UEFA
 | date =  14 December 2005
 | access-date =  28 November 2011
 | archive-date =  15 February 2016
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171854/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2005/matches/round=2209/match=81989/index.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 30 December, Samaras scored twice as Heerenveen beat Ajax 4–2.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=192205&cc=5901&league=NED.1
 | archive-url =  https://archive.today/20130102214314/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=192205&cc=5901&league=NED.1
 | url-status =  dead
 | archive-date =  2 January 2013
 | title =  Heerenveen 4–2 Ajax Amsterdam
 | publisher =  ESPN
 | work =  Soccernet
 | date =  30 December 2005
 | access-date =  28 November 2011
 }}</ref> In January 2006, Arsenal and [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] showed interest in signing the striker.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4602012.stm Arsenal show interest in Samaras] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811145658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4602012.stm |date=11 August 2017 }} BBC Sport, 11 January 2006. Retrieved 18 June 2012</ref> Samaras tried to get released from his contract after Heerenveen had rejected a bid from Manchester City. However, the Dutch arbitration commission ruled that he had no grounds to end his contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man City target may go on strike |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/4617492.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2006 |access-date=13 January 2011 |archive-date=20 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720030709/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/4617492.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Samaras scored 25 goals in 88 appearances for Heerenveen.<ref name=SocBProf>[http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=34693 Georgios Samaras] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103135907/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=34693 |date=3 November 2012 }} Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 June 2012</ref>

===Manchester City===
Samaras moved to Manchester City on 30 January 2006 for a fee of £6&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |title=Samaras seals £6m Man City switch |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/4658660.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 January 2006 |access-date=20 August 2010 |archive-date=19 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219153525/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/4658660.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> a record for a Greek player. He was given the number 20 shirt.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/georgios-samaras-has-all-the-attributes-to-be-a-lethal-weapon-for-celtic-but-his-inconsistency-still-frustrates-1.991402| title=Georgios Samaras has all the attributes to be a lethal weapon for Celtic but his inconsistency still frustrates| work=The Herald|location=Glasgow| date=1 December 2009| access-date=16 May 2011| archive-date=11 October 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011155357/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/georgios-samaras-has-all-the-attributes-to-be-a-lethal-weapon-for-celtic-but-his-inconsistency-still-frustrates-1.991402| url-status=live}}</ref> Samaras made his debut for City on 1 February, as a 65th-minute replacement for Cole in a 3–0 home win against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Man City 3–0 Newcastle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657216.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2006 |access-date=13 January 2011 |archive-date=8 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208035825/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657216.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His first goal for the club came in the following home match, against [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Samaras Eyes Europe |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/204/204556_samaras_eyes_europe.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421041007/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/204/204556_samaras_eyes_europe.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2013 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=15 February 2006 }}</ref> The following month Samaras scored in a 2–1 home win against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], to put City through to the quarter-finals of the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]]. This was his fourth goal in six appearances.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2333715/Samaras-gives-City-chance-to-dream.html
 | title =  Samaras gives City chance to dream
 | work =  The Telegraph
 | date =  15 March 2006
 | access-date =  28 November 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118053410/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2333715/Samaras-gives-City-chance-to-dream.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Samaras scored one further goal that season, in a 2–1 defeat to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4867580.stm
 | title =  Tottenham 2–1 Man City
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  8 April 2006
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  11 April 2006
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20060411152339/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4867580.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

====2006–07====
Samaras' first goal of the 2006–07 season came on 20 September, in a 2–1 loss in the League Cup to [[Football League One|League One]] side [[Chesterfield F.C.|Chesterfield]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/5351868.stm
 | title =  Chesterfield 2–1 Man City
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  20 September 2006
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  5 November 2021
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/5351868.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Four days later, Samaras scored twice, as Manchester City beat [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] 2–0. City had won just three of their previous 16 games, and the club, as well as Samaras, had been receiving a lot of criticism from fans.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2346440/Samaras-lifts-City-gloom.html
 | title =  Samaras lifts City gloom
 | work =  The Telegraph
 | date =  24 September 2006
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118071131/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2346440/Samaras-lifts-City-gloom.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>
On 2 January, Samaras came on as a half-time substitute, and scored twice, as they beat [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] 2–1.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-2-everton-1-samaras-wakes-pearces-men-from-slumber-430503.html
 | title =  Manchester City 2 Everton 1: Samaras wakes Pearce's men from slumber
 | work =  The Independent
 | date =  2 January 2007
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  15 February 2016
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171854/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-2-everton-1-samaras-wakes-pearces-men-from-slumber-430503.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

In March, the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' reported that the reason Manchester City were struggling so badly was that they didn't have any quality strikers. They went on say that the £6&nbsp;million spent on Samaras looked like "very bad business" especially compared to the £2.5&nbsp;million [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] had spent on [[Benni McCarthy]]. They also described Samaras as looking like a "fish out of water" as he struggled to adapt to the different style of play in England.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=tame-city-in-a-stu--&method=full&objectid=18733314&siteid=115875-name_page.html
 | title =  tame city in a stu
 | work =  Daily Mirror
 | date =  10 March 2007
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  5 November 2021
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215239/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tame-city-in-a-stu-655271
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 10 March, defender [[Richard Dunne]] said that he felt the reason that City were performing so badly was that their foreign players, including Samaras, were letting the side down by not working hard enough. Samaras responded to his criticisms, by saying that he felt it was Pearce's fault that he wasn't playing well because the manager wasn't giving him a regular run of games. He also said that he felt a lot of criticism stemmed from his high transfer fee, saying that it is normal for expensive players to be criticised more than most when they don't play well. Samaras also said that he had come through tougher periods than this and his self-belief would not be shaken, he said that his desire was to become a [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] player.

====2007–08====
[[Sven-Göran Eriksson]] took over from Pearce for the [[2007–08 Manchester City F.C. season|2007–08 season]] and, following a spending spree, Samaras was reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by the new manager. Samaras' agent Paul Koutsoliakos said that, despite interest from across Europe, his client wanted to stay in the Premier League and prove his ability.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/samaras-keen-to-stay-in-england-if-cut-loose-by-city-463489.html
 | title =  Samaras keen to stay in England if cut loose by City
 | work =  The Independent
 | date =  30 August 2007
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  15 February 2016
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171854/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/samaras-keen-to-stay-in-england-if-cut-loose-by-city-463489.html
 | url-status =  dead
 }}</ref> Samaras was linked with a £2.5&nbsp;million move to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] towards the end of the transfer window but ended up staying at City.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2007/08/29/southgate-closes-in-on-samaras-115875-19703333/
 | title =  Southgate closes in on Samaras
 | work =  Daily Mirror
 | date =  29 August 2007
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  5 November 2021
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215238/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/southgate-closes-in-on-samaras-715103
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Eriksson stated that although he was unimpressed with Samaras when he first joined, he felt the player had improved and adapted his style of play a lot during pre-season and that he now felt comfortable keeping him at the club.<ref name="RonaldinhoHeader">{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/23390/Sven-sick-of-Samaras-tricks
 | title =  sven sick of samaras tricks
 | work =  Daily Express
 | date =  28 October 2007
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  5 November 2021
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215254/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/23390/Sven-sick-of-Samaras-tricks
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>
Samaras had been widely criticised, and even booed, by City fans at times during the previous season and Eriksson said that he hoped it would not happen again and that he appreciated why Samaras could have found it hard to play under those circumstances. Samaras was behind the likes of [[Valeri Bojinov]] and [[Rolando Bianchi]] in the pecking order and was included in the squad for the first time only on 25 September, when he was selected for a League Cup match against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]. He started the match and scored a last-minute winner to put Manchester City into the quarter-final.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7008012.stm
 | title =  Man City 1–0 Norwich
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  25 September 2007
 | access-date =  3 December 2011
 | archive-date =  15 December 2019
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20191215035725/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7008012.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

By the time the January [[transfer window]] came, Eriksson had decided to sell Samaras, amongst others, to try and raise funds for the club.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/01/11/sven-can-only-spend-10m-115875-20281791/
 | title =  Sven can only spend £10m
 | work =  Daily Mirror
 | date =  11 January 2008
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  5 November 2021
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215238/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/sven-can-only-spend-10m-720709
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] had chased him for several weeks and had a £2.5&nbsp;million offer accepted, meeting Manchester City's valuation of the player, but they pulled out of the deal with a week of the transfer window remaining.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2289723/Alex-McLeish-abandons-Georgios-Samaras-bid.html
 | title =  Alex McLeish abandons Georgios Samaras bid
 | work =  The Telegraph
 | date =  22 January 2008
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  15 February 2016
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171854/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2289723/Alex-McLeish-abandons-Georgios-Samaras-bid.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Several teams including [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]], Middlesbrough, [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]], [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] and Charlton Athletic had expressed an interest in signing him, but it was [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] to whom he eventually moved.<ref name="JoinCeltic1" /><ref name="JoinCeltic2" />

Samaras failed to get a regular place in the first team over the two years he was at Manchester City. Mainly used as a substitute, he scored 12 goals in 63 appearances for the [[City of Manchester Stadium|Eastlands]] club.<ref name=ESPNProf>[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/26416/georgios-samaras?cc=5739 Georgios Samaras] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102061739/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/26416/georgios-samaras?cc=5739 |date=2 November 2012 }} ESPN Soccernet</ref>

===Celtic===

==== 2007–08 (loan) ====
On 29 January 2008, Samaras signed for [[Scottish Premier League]] club [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] on a six-month loan deal, with the club having an option to buy him at the end of his loan spell. He said that he wanted the move because he needed to be playing first team football to get into the [[Greece national football team|Greece squad]] for [[UEFA Euro 2008|Euro 2008]]. He also said that he was attracted to the fact that he would regularly be able to play in European competition with Celtic.<ref name="JoinCeltic1">{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2290353/Samaras-joins-Celtic-on-loan-from-Man-City.html
 | title =  Samaras joins Celtic on loan from Man City
 | work =  The Telegraph
 | date =  29 January 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118052305/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2290353/Samaras-joins-Celtic-on-loan-from-Man-City.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref><ref name="JoinCeltic2">{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7214941.stm
 | title =  Celtic make double signing swoop
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  29 January 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  1 February 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080201140728/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7214941.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

Samaras was given the number 9 shirt and made his debut on 4 February, in a 5–1 win in the [[Scottish Cup]] over [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]]. He scored the final goal of the game after coming on as a substitute.<ref name="KillieVoH">{{cite news
 | url =  http://www.heraldscotland.com/kilmarnock-1-5-celtic-1.873963
 | title =  Kilmarnock 1 – 5 Celtic
 | work =  The Herald|location=Glasgow
 | date =  4 February 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  8 October 2012
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20121008045814/http://www.heraldscotland.com/kilmarnock-1-5-celtic-1.873963
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 20 February, he came on as a substitute in Celtic's 3–2 defeat to [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], this was his first ever Champions League match.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7250340.stm
 | title =  Celtic 2–3 Barcelona
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  20 February 2008
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  25 February 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080225155101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7250340.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> A week later he scored the winner in a 2–1 win over [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]] to help Celtic keep up the pressure on league leaders Rangers.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7264042.stm
 | title =  Celtic 2–1 Inverness CT
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  27 February 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  3 March 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080303065608/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7264042.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> He then scored in Celtic's next match, a 2–0 win over [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]], after coming on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7270212.stm
 | title =  Hibernian 0–2 Celtic
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  1 March 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  5 March 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080305010819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7270212.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Samaras' next goal came on 23 March, he again came on as a substitute and rounded off the scoring in a 3–0 win over [[Gretna F.C.|Gretna]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7306432.stm
 | title =  Gretna 0–3 Celtic
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  23 March 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  25 March 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080325090359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7306432.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 19 April, he scored the only goal of the game as Celtic beat [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] 1–0, and moved to the top of the league for the first time in 2008.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7353577.stm
 | title =  Celtic 1–0 Aberdeen
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  19 April 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  24 April 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080424032031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7353577.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> The next month, on 3 May, Samaras again came on as a substitute and scored the winner. His goal gave Celtic a 2–1 victory over [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] and kept up Celtic's late challenge for the league title.<ref name=MW08>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7379011.stm
 | title =  Motherwell 1–2 Celtic
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  3 May 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  17 May 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20140517152352/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7379011.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Celtic won the title on the last day of the season, 22 May, by beating [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] 1–0. Samaras came on as a late substitute and collected his first winners' medal after the match.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2301271/Celtic-win-third-successive-SPL-title.html
 | title =  Celtic win third successive SPL title
 | work =  The Daily Telegraph
 | date =  22 May 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  18 November 2014
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20141118081551/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2301271/Celtic-win-third-successive-SPL-title.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

Samaras' contribution in the second half of the season proved vital to Celtic winning the title, he scored several important goals which kept alive Celtic's faltering title hopes.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/04/scottishpremierleague.motherwell
 | title =  Samaras proves Celtic's saviour
 | work =  The Guardian
 | date =  4 May 2008
 | access-date =  8 December 2011
 | archive-date =  16 September 2015
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20150916005944/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/04/scottishpremierleague.motherwell
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> His signing was also credited with reviving the previously underperforming [[Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink]].<ref name="KillieVoH" />
[[File:Georgio Samaras Celtic.jpg|180px|thumb|left|Samaras playing for Celtic]]

====2008–09====
After his successful loan spell,<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/06/02/werder-bremen-could-snatch-away-celtic-loan-star-georgios-samaras-86908-20592046/
 |title        = Werder Bremen could snatch away Celtic loan star Georgios Samaras
 |work         = Daily Record
 |date         = 2 June 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 5 June 2008
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080605020749/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/06/02/werder-bremen-could-snatch-away-celtic-loan-star-georgios-samaras-86908-20592046/
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> Samaras left Manchester City on 15 July 2008 and signed a three-year contract with Celtic.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www.heraldscotland.com/celtic-sign-samaras-from-man-city-1.884640
 | title =  Celtic sign Samaras from Man City
 | work =  The Herald|location=Glasgow
 | date =  15 July 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  8 October 2012
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20121008050038/http://www.heraldscotland.com/celtic-sign-samaras-from-man-city-1.884640
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Although the fee was not disclosed, it was reported to be around £3 million.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jul/15/celtic.auxerre
 | title =  Samaras leaves City to complete Celtic switch
 | work =  The Guardian
 | date =  15 July 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  25 April 2015
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20150425131812/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jul/15/celtic.auxerre
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/07/15/celtic-sign-georgios-samaras-on-three-year-deal-86908-20644436/
 |title        = Celtic sign Georgios Samaras on three-year deal
 |work         = Daily Record
 |date         = 15 July 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 7 August 2008
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080807064842/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/07/15/celtic-sign-georgios-samaras-on-three-year-deal-86908-20644436/
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |url         = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=afNjTAv7Rt88&refer=latin_america
 |title       = Tottenham May Sign Striker Luis Garcia, Sun Reports: Roundup
 |publisher   = Bloomberg News
 |date        = 11 July 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20111217223239/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive
 |archive-date = 17 December 2011
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.scotsman.com/sport/samaras_signs_three_year_deal_at_celtic_1_1266552
 |title        = Samaras signs three-year deal at Celtic
 |work         = The Scotsman
 |date         = 15 July 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 15 February 2016
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171854/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/samaras_signs_three_year_deal_at_celtic_1_1266552
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> Samaras' first goals of the [[2008–09 Celtic F.C. season|2008–09 season]] came on 23 August. He scored twice as Celtic beat [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] 3–0.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7575843.stm
 | title =  Celtic 3–0 Falkirk
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  23 August 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  29 August 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080829161808/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7575843.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> On 13 September, he scored another two goals as Celtic beat Motherwell 4–2.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7611546.stm
 | title =  Motherwell 2–4 Celtic
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  13 September 2008
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  19 September 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080919212216/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7611546.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> He scored twice again in Celtic's next match as they beat Kilmarnock 3–1.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7624437.stm
 | title =  Kilmarnock 1–3 Celtic
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  21 September 2008
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  23 September 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080923234407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7624437.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> He then scored another two goals as Celtic beat [[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] 4–0 and advanced to the League Cup quarter-final.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7629596.stm
 | title =  Celtic 4–0 Livingston
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  23 September 2008
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  25 September 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20080925192536/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7629596.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> He was named [[Scottish Premier League monthly awards#2008–09 season|SPL Player of the Month]] for September, at this point he was also the top scorer with seven goals.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7649064.stm
 | title =  Strachan and Samaras net awards
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  3 October 2008
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  4 October 2008
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20081004203443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7649064.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref>

Samaras suffered a knee cartilage injury in mid-October, after a successful operation he was expected to be out for a month. This meant he would be likely to miss crucial Champions League ties against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Aalborg BK|Aalborg]].<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2008/10/23/celtic-hitman-georgios-samaras-faces-fitness-battle-for-aalborg-crunch-86908-20831044/
 |title        = Celtic hitman Georgios Samaras faces fitness battle for Aalborg crunch
 |work         = Daily Record
 |date         = 23 October 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 29 January 2012
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120129233603/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2008/10/23/celtic-hitman-georgios-samaras-faces-fitness-battle-for-aalborg-crunch-86908-20831044/
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> He returned earlier than expected and was back in training on 9 November, having missed seven games.<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.scotsman.com/sport/samaras_in_training_but_injury_crisis_far_from_over_1_1146108
 |title        = Samaras in training but injury crisis far from over
 |work         = The Scotsman
 |date         = 10 November 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 15 February 2016
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171854/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/samaras_in_training_but_injury_crisis_far_from_over_1_1146108
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> Samaras returned to action on 12 November, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock.<ref>{{cite news
 |url         = http://www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk/articles/20081112/celtic-3-kilmarnock-0_85931_45547
 |title       = Celtic 3 – Kilmarnock 0
 |publisher   = Kilmarnock FC
 |date        = 12 November 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120602143652/http://www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk/articles/20081112/celtic-3-kilmarnock-0_85931_45547
 |archive-date = 2 June 2012
}}</ref> On 25 November he started against Aalborg but did not play well and missed several chances as Celtic lost 2–1. This loss consigned Celtic to a bottom place finish in their group.<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/11/27/we-need-a-treble-to-ease-our-torment-86908-20928095/
 |title        = Celtic must win treble to ease Euro heartache, says Georgios Samaras
 |work         = Daily Record
 |date         = 27 November 2008
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 5 November 2021
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215240/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/other-sports/celtic-must-win-treble-to-ease-999448
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

His first goals of the new year came on, on 4 January, as he scored twice against Dundee United. However, this was not enough for a victory and the match finished 2–2.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7805909.stm
 | title =  Celtic 2–2 Dundee United
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  4 January 2008
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  5 November 2021
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7805909.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Although he did not start in the [[2009 Scottish League Cup Final|League Cup Final]] due to poor form,<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/15/scottish-co-operative-insurance-cup-final-celtic-rangers-odea
 | title =  Celtic triumph over Rangers to win cup
 | work =  The Guardian
 | date =  15 March 2009
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  19 March 2015
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20150319032503/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/15/scottish-co-operative-insurance-cup-final-celtic-rangers-odea
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> he did come on as a substitute as Celtic beat Rangers 2–0 and won the trophy.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7941624.stm
 | title =  Celtic 2–0 Rangers
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  15 March 2009
 | access-date =  18 June 2012
 | archive-date =  19 March 2009
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20090319024654/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7941624.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Samaras scored twice on 4 April, as Celtic beat [[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton Academical]] 4–0.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7980358.stm
 | title =  Celtic 4–0 Hamilton Accies
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  4 April 2009
 | access-date =  11 December 2011
 | archive-date =  6 April 2009
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20090406054840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7980358.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Celtic lost the title on the last day of the season.<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2009/05/25/celtic-s-spl-title-loss-hugh-keevins-verdict-86908-21387482/
 |title        = Celtic's SPL title loss – Hugh Keevins' verdict
 |work         = Daily Record
 |date         = 25 May 2009
 |access-date  = 11 December 2011
 |archive-date = 28 January 2012
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120128205018/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2009/05/25/celtic-s-spl-title-loss-hugh-keevins-verdict-86908-21387482/
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> Samaras scored 17 goals,<ref name=ESPNProf/> with 15 of them coming in the SPL. This made him the third top scorer behind [[Kris Boyd]] and teammate [[Scott McDonald]].<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=home_statistics 
 |title=SPL: 2008/09 – Top Scorers 
 |publisher=SPL 
 |access-date=11 December 2011 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612200756/http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=home_Statistics 
 |archive-date=12 June 2011 
}}</ref>

====2009–10====
[[File:Georgios Samaras.png|thumb|150px|Samaras after the final match of Celtic's [[2010–11 Celtic F.C. season|2010–11 season]]]]
Celtic manager [[Gordon Strachan]] left at the end of the season and was replaced by [[Tony Mowbray]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/6057158/Arsenals-quality-may-prove-too-much-for-Celtic-to-match-says-Georgios-Samaras.html |title=Arsenal's quality may prove too much for Celtic to match, says Georgios Samaras |work=The Telegraph |date=19 August 2009 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510211556/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/6057158/Arsenals-quality-may-prove-too-much-for-Celtic-to-match-says-Georgios-Samaras.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 August, Samaras scored in [[Overtime (association football)|injury time]] of Celtic's [[2009–10 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] third qualifying round tie against [[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]]. This goal won Celtic the tie, 2–1 on aggregate, and helped them to their first European away win in six years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8178985.stm |title=D'mo Moscow 0–2 Celtic (agg 1–2) |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2009 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=5 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215242/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8178985.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Celtic then drew English [[Premier League]] club Arsenal, but lost 5–1 on aggregate and subsequently dropped into the [[Europa League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=676980&sec=europe&root=europe&cc=5739 |title=Europa League can provide unexpected Celtic cheer |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |date=17 September 2009 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=28 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928074631/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=676980&sec=europe&root=europe&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 December, Samaras scored in Celtic's 3–2 win over Motherwell, this was his fifth goal in the club's previous four matches.<ref name="ScotsmanSOP">{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/motherwell_2_3_celtic_stylish_georgios_samaras_has_turned_the_tables_to_propel_celtic_1_782706 |title=Motherwell 2 – 3 Celtic: Stylish Georgios Samaras has turned the tables to propel Celtic |work=The Scotsman |date=13 December 2009 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225170556/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/motherwell_2_3_celtic_stylish_georgios_samaras_has_turned_the_tables_to_propel_celtic_1_782706 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored in Celtic's 2–1 defeat against Hearts on 19 December. This left Celtic four points behind rivals Rangers going into Christmas.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8410919.stm |title=Football – Hearts 2-1 Celtic |date=20 December 2009 |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227113320/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/8410919.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> From February onwards, Samaras was mainly played out of position on the left of midfield.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2010/08/19/celtic-hitman-georgios-samaras-keen-to-shake-off-enigma-tag-86908-22497853/ |title=Celtic hitman Georgios Samaras keen to shake off 'enigma' tag |work=Daily Record |date=19 August 2010 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=4 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204014531/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2010/08/19/celtic-hitman-georgios-samaras-keen-to-shake-off-enigma-tag-86908-22497853/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Celtic endured a dismal season, culminating in a humiliating 2–0 loss to lower league [[Ross County F.C.|Ross County]] in the semi-final of the [[Scottish Cup]].<ref name="rossloss">{{cite web|last=Gibson|first=Fraser|title=Celtic 0–2 Ross County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8609777.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=25 February 2015|date=10 April 2010|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105215244/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/8609777.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Samaras missed a chance to equalise in that match when the score was only 1–0 to County,<ref name="rossloss" /> and he was amongst several players publicly criticised by caretaker manager [[Neil Lennon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Neil Lennon: I don't know Celtic future after Ross County humiliation|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/169449-neil-lennon-i-dont-know-celtic-future-after-ross-county-humiliation/|publisher=STV Sport|access-date=25 February 2015|date=11 April 2010|archive-date=25 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225170616/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/169449-neil-lennon-i-dont-know-celtic-future-after-ross-county-humiliation/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Samaras finished the season with 10 league goals and 12 in all competitions.<ref name=ESPNProf/>

====2010–11====
Samaras began the [[2010–11 Celtic F.C. season|2010–11 season]] in good form, scoring his first goal in a Europa League tie against [[FC Utrecht]] with a chest down and finish to make it 2–0, sending Celtic into the second leg with a lead.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/europa-league/2010-2011/celtic-fc-utrecht-383801.html |title=Dynamic Celtic sink Utrecht |publisher=Yahoo!/Eurosport |date=19 August 2010 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=18 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918223008/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/europa-league/2010-2011/celtic-fc-utrecht-383801.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 September 2010, he scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the [[Scottish League Cup|League Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/cups/league-cup/2010/09/23/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-hails-hat-trick-hero-georgios-samaras-as-caley-thistle-are-given-six-of-the-best-86908-22581663/ |title=Celtic boss Neil Lennon hails hat-trick hero Georgios Samaras as Caley Thistle are given six of the best |work=Daily Record |date=23 September 2010 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=30 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030061015/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/cups/league-cup/2010/09/23/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-hails-hat-trick-hero-georgios-samaras-as-caley-thistle-are-given-six-of-the-best-86908-22581663/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the goals then dried up with Samaras failing to score again in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Games involving Samaras, Georgios in season 2010/2011|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=4|publisher=FitbaStats|access-date=26 February 2015|archive-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226033313/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=4|url-status=live}}</ref>

He then produced a match-winning performance against Rangers at [[Ibrox Stadium|Ibrox]] on 2 January 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3327933,00.html |title=Samaras brace seals Ibrox win |publisher=Sky Sports |date=2 January 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=5 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105061613/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3327933,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/218999-ibrox-bean-counters-are-smiths-biggest-foe/ |title=Ibrox bean counters are Smith's biggest foe |publisher=STV Sport |date=8 January 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=24 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324061117/http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/218999-ibrox-bean-counters-are-smiths-biggest-foe/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was selected as a lone striker<ref name=StrachBack>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/9334174.stm |title=Georgios Samaras to star – Neil Lennon |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2011 |access-date =19 June 2012}}</ref> and scored both Celtic goals in a 2–0 victory.<ref name=RanJan11>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9330644.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2011 |title=Rangers 0 – 2 Celtic |access-date=19 June 2012}}</ref> His first goal came from latching onto a [[Joe Ledley]] pass before rounding Rangers goalkeeper [[Allan McGregor]] and slotting home from a wide angle.<ref name=RanJan11/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/celticfc/Rangers-0--2-Celtic.6677409.jp |title=Rangers 0–2 Celtic: Samaras brace sinks Gers |work=The Scotsman |date=2 January 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617071847/http://sport.scotsman.com/celticfc/Rangers-0--2-Celtic.6677409.jp |url-status=live }}</ref> His second came after he won a penalty which he converted to secure the victory.<ref name=RanJan11/> His efforts in this game won him Goal.com's ''World Player of the Week'' Award.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2876/world-player-of-the-week/2011/01/03/2287858/goalcom-world-player-of-the-week-georgios-samaras-celtic |title=Goal.com World Player of the Week: Georgios Samaras – Celtic |work=Goal  |date=3 January 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011054128/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2876/world-player-of-the-week/2011/01/03/2287858/goalcom-world-player-of-the-week-georgios-samaras-celtic |url-status=live }}</ref> In the following game, a [[2010–11 Scottish Cup|Scottish Cup]] tie against [[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]], Samaras again started but failed to last the 90 minutes after sustaining a [[hamstring]] injury.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/celticfc/Neil-Lennon-proud-of-team39s.6684922.jp |title=Neil Lennon proud of team's character |work=The Scotsman |date=10 January 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=13 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113121704/http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/celticfc/Neil-Lennon-proud-of-team39s.6684922.jp |url-status=live }}</ref> Samaras had an influential performance in a 3–0 home victory against Rangers in the SPL on 20 February, helping to set up the second goal for [[Gary Hooper]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/hooper-doubles-up-in-celtic-old-firm-win-15090632.html |title=Hooper doubles up in Celtic Old Firm win |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=20 February 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019173836/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/hooper-doubles-up-in-celtic-old-firm-win-15090632.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and causing problems for the opposition throughout the game.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/9403033.stm |title=Neil Lennon pleased with Celtic 'product' on the pitch |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 February 2011 |access-date=19 June 2012}}</ref>

On 16 March, Samaras captained Celtic for the first time in a 2–1 Scottish Cup win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the [[Caledonian Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9427295.stm
 | title =  Alan Thompson praise for captain Georgios Samaras
 | publisher =  BBC Sport
 | date =  16 March 2011
 | access-date =  19 June 2012
 | archive-date =  10 December 2019
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20191210231824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9427295.stm
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/ledley-double-ensures-celtic-victory-497565.html
 | title =  Ledley double ensures Celtic victory
 | work =  Irish Examiner
 | date =  16 March 2011
 | access-date =  19 June 2012
 | archive-date =  20 September 2012
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20120920194104/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/ledley-double-ensures-celtic-victory-497565.html
 | url-status =  live
 }}</ref> Two days later, he signed a new deal to keep him at Parkhead until the summer of 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic's Georgios Samaras agrees new three-year deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/9428818.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 March 2011}}</ref> Celtic drew 0–0 with Rangers on 24 April 2011 in the final Old Firm league fixture of the season, with Samaras missing a penalty kick late in the second half.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers 0–0 Celtic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9464454.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=25 February 2015|date=24 April 2011}}</ref> The draw kept Rangers one point ahead of Celtic in the league, and the Ibrox club went on to win the league by one point despite Celtic's emphatic 4–0 win over Motherwell in the final league game of the season (Samaras scoring Celtic's second goal in that game).<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtic 4–0 Motherwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9484608.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=25 February 2015|date=15 May 2011|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9484608.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Samaras did end the season with silverware though, playing a week later in Celtic's 3–0 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Cup Final.<ref>{{cite web|title=Motherwell 0–3 Celtic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/9491542.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=25 February 2015|date=21 May 2011|archive-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522112815/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/9491542.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2011–12====
On 3 November 2011, Samaras started against [[Stade Rennais F.C.|Rennes]] in a Europa League match at [[Celtic Park]]. Celtic won the match 3–1 with Samaras getting two assists. He drew plaudits for his much noticed work-rate and determination during the match.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/11/04/celtic-goal-hero-anthony-stokes-hails-outstanding-georgios-samaras-after-euro-win-86908-23536752/
 | title =  Celtic goal hero Anthony Stokes hails outstanding Georgios Samaras
 | work=  Daily Record
 | date =   3 November 2011
 | access-date =26 November 2011}}</ref> Samaras then started the next match against Motherwell in the SPL and set up another goal for [[Anthony Stokes]], Celtic went on to win the match 2–1 after being 1–0 down.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/15510763.stm
 | title =  Motherwell 1–2 Celtic
 | publisher =   BBC Sport
 | date =   6 November 2011
 | access-date =6 November 2011}}</ref> Samaras went on to score his first goal of the [[2011–12 Celtic F.C. season|2011–12 season]] in a 5–0 win over [[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]]. Manager [[Neil Lennon]] said that; "He got his goal, which we've been waiting on a long time. His play was fantastic. He is a talent and all we are asking for is consistency. He has shown everyone today what he is capable of when he is in full flow. The rest took a leaf from his book."<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15904825.stm
 | title =  Georgios Samaras set tone for great win – Neil Lennon
 | publisher =   BBC Sport
 | date =   26 November 2011
 | access-date =26 November 2011}}</ref> After an impressive performance in Celtic's 1–1 draw against Italian league leaders [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]],<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2011/12/15/europa-league-udinese-1-celtic-1-86908-23638499/
 |title        = Europa League: Udinese 1 Celtic 1
 |work         = Daily Record
 |date         = 15 December 2011
 |access-date  = 16 December 2011
 |archive-date = 12 January 2012
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120112022004/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2011/12/15/europa-league-udinese-1-celtic-1-86908-23638499/
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> fellow [[Serie A]] side [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]] expressed an interest in Samaras. He had been playing as a [[left midfielder]] in the previous few weeks, and the ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'' said that his good form since returning to the team had helped re-ignite Celtic's season.<ref name="PalermoForm">{{cite news
 |url         = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/12/12/serie-a-side-palermo-weigh-up-2million-bid-for-celtic-star-georgios-samaras-86908-23628749/
 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130420044516/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/12/12/serie-a-side-palermo-weigh-up-2million-bid-for-celtic-star-georgios-samaras-86908-23628749/
 |url-status  = dead
 |archive-date = 20 April 2013
 |title       = Serie A side Palermo weigh up £2million bid for Celtic star Georgios Samaras
 |work        = Daily Record
 |date        = 12 December 2011
 |access-date = 16 December 2011
}}</ref> On 24 December, Samaras started as a striker and scored twice as Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2–1.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16229733.stm
 | title =  Celtic 2–1 Kilmarnock
 | publisher =   BBC Sport
 | date =   24 December 2011
 | access-date =24 December 2011}}</ref>

====2012–13====
On 8 August, Samaras scored his 50th Celtic goal in the 2–0 away victory over [[HJK Helsinki]] in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19074394 |title=HJK 0–2 Celtic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2012 |access-date=9 August 2012 |archive-date=9 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809131939/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19074394 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 August, Samaras assisted [[Kris Commons]]' opening goal in the Champions League play-off round first leg away at [[Helsingborgs IF|Helsingborg]] and then scored himself later in the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19252342 |title=Helsingborgs 0–2 Celtic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 August 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=21 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821212613/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19252342 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored a dramatic late winner in a 2–3 win against [[FC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]] in the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] group stage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0202-0e80514bfb00-bf415177e1e3-1000--samaras-ends-celtic-s-away-misery-at-spartak/ |title=Samaras ends Celtic's away misery at Spartak |publisher=UEFA |date=2 October 2012 |access-date=3 October 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004004633/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000347/match=2009517/postmatch/report/index.html#celtic+break+away+duck |url-status=live }}</ref>
Samaras became the first player in Celtic history to score in five consecutive away matches in Europe,<ref>{{cite web|last=Purden|first=Richard|title=Selling Samaras over Lennon's head would be a grave error|url=http://www.irishpost.co.uk/sport/selling-samaras-over-lennons-head-would-be-a-grave-error|work=The Irish Post|access-date=2 June 2015|date=15 May 2014|archive-date=22 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522044528/http://www.irishpost.co.uk/sport/selling-samaras-over-lennons-head-would-be-a-grave-error|url-status=live}}</ref> with headed goals in 2–1 defeats to Barcelona and [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] adding to his goals against Spartak Moscow, [[Helsingborgs IF|Helsingborg]] and HJK Helsinki.<ref name="s1213">{{cite web|title=Games Involving Samaras, Georgios in season 2012/2013|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=2|publisher=FitbaStats|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001713/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Samaras was also credited for helping Celtic qualify from the group stage, providing the assist for Hooper's opening goal in the final game against Spartak at Parkhead and then winning the foul for the [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]] that Commons converted to clinch the win required that night.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Celtic 2 – 1 Spartak Moscow|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20522174|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2 June 2015|date=5 December 2012|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017064715/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20522174|url-status=live}}</ref>

Samaras scored an overhead kick in a 2–0 win at [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]] on Boxing Day 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Crawford|first=Kenny|title=Dundee 0 – 2 Celtic|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=2|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2 June 2015|date=26 December 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001713/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2013, Samaras was substituted on as Aberdeen led Celtic 3–1 at Celtic Park, and his overhead kick completed the comeback as he made it 4–3 in the 94th minute of the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/celtic-4-3-aberdeen-samaras-comes-to-four-1-2841377 |title=Celtic 4–3 Aberdeen: Samaras comes to four |first=Moira |last=Gordon |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=17 March 2013 |access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref>

Over the course of the season, Samaras captained Celtic on several occasions, including the opening league match against Aberdeen and also in the away leg of Celtic's last-16 Champions League tie against [[Juventus]].<ref name="s1213" /> Samaras finished the season with more silverware as Celtic clinched their second successive league title and then defeated Hibs 3–0 in the [[2013 Scottish Cup Final|Scottish Cup Final]]. Samaras did not start, however was subbed on later in the match, replacing [[Kris Commons]] in the 76th minute.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Hibernian 0–3 Celtic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22585339|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2013|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114202645/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22585339|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2013–14====
Samaras started the 2013–14 season with a goal against [[NIFL Premiership]] club [[Cliftonville F.C.|Cliftonville]] in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League#Second qualifying round|Champions League second qualifying round]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Petrie|first=Richard|title=Cliftonville 0–3 Celtic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23251252|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=12 May 2014|date=17 July 2013|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328232452/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23251252|url-status=live}}</ref> and made it two goals in two matches as he scored in the return leg with a header in a 2–0 victory. Celtic won the tie 5–0 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtic 2–0 Cliftonville|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23324257|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=12 May 2014|date=23 July 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020234845/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23324257|url-status=live}}</ref> Celtic knocked out [[IF Elfsborg|Elfsborg]] in the next round,<ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Andy|title=Elfsborg 0 Celtic 0|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23513157|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=7 August 2013|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017005753/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23513157|url-status=live}}</ref> before playing [[Shakhter Karagandy]] in the final qualifying round. Trailing 2–0 from the first leg away in [[Kazakhstan]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Grant|first=Michael|title=Shakhter Karagandy 2 Celtic 0: stirring cocktail leaves Lennon's side groggy|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/shakhter-karagandy-2-celtic-0-stirring-cocktail-leaves-lennon-s-side-groggy.1377061269|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|access-date=17 February 2014|date=21 August 2013}}</ref> they rallied in the return match at Parkhead.  Samaras scored early in the second half, adding to Commons' goal just before half time, to level the tie on aggregate.  A last minute goal from [[James Forrest (footballer, born 1991)|James Forrest]] clinched the aggregate win and saw the club once again progress to the group stages.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lindsay|first=Clive|title=Celtic 3 Shakhter Karagandy 0|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23776602|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=28 August 2013|archive-date=15 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615072124/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23776602|url-status=live}}</ref> Samaras played in all six group games, but only scored once, away against Barcelona in a 6–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Barcelona 6 Celtic 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25303700|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=11 December 2013|archive-date=19 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219103855/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25303700|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to feature regularly in domestic games for Celtic, but was often used as a substitute.<ref>{{cite web|title=Georgios Samaras 2013–14|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2943|publisher=FitbaStats|access-date=12 May 2014|archive-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226052153/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2943|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored a hat-trick on 28 September away against Kilmarnock in a 5–2 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24185260 |title=Kilmarnock 2–5 Celtic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2013 |access-date=24 October 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016182514/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24185260 |url-status=live }}</ref> Samaras only scored another three league goals after that,<ref>{{cite web|title=Georgios Samaras 2013–14|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=1|publisher=FitbaStats|access-date=12 May 2014|archive-date=12 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231015/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2943&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> including a goal from a penalty kick in his final appearance for the club on 11 May 2014, a 3–1 win at home against Dundee United.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 1: champion Hoops take home the trophy|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-3-dundee-utd-1-celtic-confirm-champion-status-with-united-win-and-take-home-th.1399815846|work=Herald|access-date=12 May 2014|date=11 May 2014|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109182230/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-3-dundee-utd-1-celtic-confirm-champion-status-with-united-win-and-take-home-th.1399815846|url-status=live}}</ref>

The same day, Samaras confirmed that Celtic would not offer him a new deal when his current contract expired at the end of the season, leaving him as a free agent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27364718|title=Georgios Samaras: Celtic did not make me an offer|date=11 May 2014|access-date=24 June 2014|publisher=BBC Sport Football|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725003547/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27364718|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== West Bromwich Albion ===
On 22 August 2014, Samaras completed a free transfer move to English Premier League side [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] on a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Georgios Samaras: West Brom sign striker on a free transfer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28886833|access-date=22 August 2014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2014|archive-date=22 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822053723/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28886833|url-status=live}}</ref> He failed to secure a regular place in the team and by January 2015 had made only eight substitute appearances, all without scoring.<ref>{{cite web|title=Georgios Samaras set for West Brom exit|url=https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/celtic/georgios-samaras-set-for-west-brom-exit-195188n.116744158|work=Evening Times|access-date=25 January 2015|date=23 January 2015}}</ref>

On 5 February 2015, Samaras joined Saudi side [[Al-Hilal F.C.|Al-Hilal]] on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell.<ref>{{cite web|title=Samaras loan exit confirmed|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/georgios-samaras-west-bromwich-albion-al-hilal-2249808.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205203810/http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/georgios-samaras-west-bromwich-albion-al-hilal-2249808.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2015|publisher=West Bromwich Albion F.C.|access-date=8 February 2015|date=5 February 2015}}</ref> He played against [[Al-Ahli SC (Jeddah)|Al-Ahli]] in the [[2014–15 Saudi Crown Prince Cup|Saudi Crown Prince Cup Final]] eight days later, but despite scoring his first goal for his new team, they lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=2014–15 Saudi Crown Prince Cup: Al Hilal vs. Al Ahli 1 – 2|publisher=Soccerway}}</ref> His next goal came in the first round of the [[2015 King Cup|Kings Cup]] on 10 March 2015, netting his side's fourth goal in a 4–1 win over Al-Jeel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup 2015 – 10 March 2015 – Al Hilal 4–1 Al-Jeel|url=http://www.goalzz.com/main.aspx?m=972887&stats=true|publisher=Goalzz|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706113957/http://www.goalzz.com/main.aspx?m=972887&stats=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 March 2015, Samaras faced a hip injury, the most serious injury in his career that forced him to be out of action for almost three months. In April 2015, Greek newspaper ''SportDay'' reported that Samaras was unhappy with life in the Middle East and did not wish to continue his career at the Saudi club when his contract expired at the end of the season.  It was also reported that Portuguese club [[Sporting Clube de Portugal|Sporting CP]] were keen to sign him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Samaras linked with Sporting|publisher=sdna.gr|url=http://www.sdna.gr/gr/news-in-english/arthro-news-in-english/30690/samaras-linked-with-sporting/|date=18 April 2015|access-date=18 April 2015|archive-date=19 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419011632/http://www.sdna.gr/gr/news-in-english/arthro-news-in-english/30690/samaras-linked-with-sporting/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Samaras had his contract with West Brom terminated by mutual consent on 17 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=ALBION today announce the departure of Georgios Samaras.|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/wba-albion-baggies-samaras-2553638.aspx|publisher=West Bromwich Albion Football Club|access-date=17 July 2015|date=17 July 2015|archive-date=26 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726013425/http://www.wba.co.uk//news/article/wba-albion-baggies-samaras-2553638.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Later career ===
In August 2015, Samaras was reported to have agreed terms with [[Serie A]] club [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]], but the move fell through as the club were unhappy with the results of his medical.<ref>{{cite news|title=Samaras fails Samp medical?|url=http://www.football-italia.net/70567/samaras-fails-samp-medical|access-date=1 January 2016|work=Football Italia|date=4 August 2015|archive-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114202646/http://www.football-italia.net/70567/samaras-fails-samp-medical|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sampdoria, sfuma Samaras. Il greco non convince a livello fisico|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/sampdoria-sfuma-samaras-il-greco-non-convince-a-livello-fisico-712826|access-date=1 January 2016|work=Tutto Mercato|date=5 August 2015|archive-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114202647/http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/sampdoria-sfuma-samaras-il-greco-non-convince-a-livello-fisico-712826|url-status=live}}</ref> Afterwards, he spent time in New York to rehabilitate from a back injury, and in November 2015 was linked with a move to the [[New York Cosmos (2010)|New York Cosmos]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Shires|first=Freddie|title=New York Cosmos chief hopeful over Georgios Samaras deal|url=http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/11/14/new-york-cosmos-chief-hopeful-over-georgios-samaras-deal/|access-date=1 January 2016|work=HITC Sport|date=14 November 2015|archive-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114202646/http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/11/14/new-york-cosmos-chief-hopeful-over-georgios-samaras-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref> although once again no move actually materialised.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Keefer|first1=Ryan|title=D.C. United interested in Georgios Samaras|url=http://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-transfers/2016/1/30/10875660/georgios-samaras-celtic-west-ham-greece|access-date=29 February 2016|work=Black and Red United|date=30 January 2016|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214154134/http://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-transfers/2016/1/30/10875660/georgios-samaras-celtic-west-ham-greece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Samaras did eventually sign for a [[North American Soccer League (2011–2017)|North American Soccer League]] team, joining expansion side [[Rayo OKC]] on 10 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAYO OKC SIGNS GREEK NATIONAL TEAM MEMBER GEORGIOS SAMARAS|url=http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/03/10/rayo-okc-signs-greek-national-team-member-georgios-samaras|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311071520/http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/03/10/rayo-okc-signs-greek-national-team-member-georgios-samaras|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 March 2016|access-date=10 March 2016|publisher=RayoOKC.com|date=10 March 2016}}</ref> On 2 April, he made his debut in their first match, replacing [[Robbie Findley]] for the final 12 minutes of a goalless home draw against [[FC Edmonton]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brannick|first1=Chris|title=Rayo OKC opens season with draw in front of sellout|url=http://newsok.com/article/5489341|access-date=3 April 2016|publisher=News OK|date=2 April 2016|archive-date=8 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408063651/http://newsok.com/article/5489341|url-status=live}}</ref> He was the last of three of the team's players sent off on 28 May in a 1–0 loss at [[Soccer Bowl]] holders the Cosmos.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brannick|first1=Chris|title=Rayo OKC sees three red cards in road loss to New York Cosmos|url=http://newsok.com/article/5501059|access-date=18 July 2016|publisher=News OK|date=28 May 2016|archive-date=30 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530131646/http://newsok.com/article/5501059|url-status=live}}</ref> Samaras' first goal for the franchise came on 16 July in his 9th match, coming on as a late substitute to wrap up a 3–0 win over the same opponent at the [[Miller Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news|title=New York Cosmos take first loss of NASL Fall Season vs. Rayo OKC|url=http://www.soccerwire.com/news/pro/nasl/new-york-cosmos-take-first-loss-of-nasl-fall-season-vs-rayo-okc/|access-date=18 July 2016|publisher=Soccerwire|date=17 July 2016|archive-date=24 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224194914/http://www.soccerwire.com/news/pro/nasl/new-york-cosmos-take-first-loss-of-nasl-fall-season-vs-rayo-okc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Samaras became a free agent in early 2017 when Rayo OKC shut down after only one season, and his next move was suggested to be to Spain to sign for [[Real Zaragoza]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-hero-georgios-samaras-set-9749870|title=Celtic hero Georgios Samaras set for move to Spanish Segunda division side Real Zaragoza|work=Daily Record|date=3 February 2017|access-date=3 February 2017|first=Mark|last=Walker|archive-date=4 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204004135/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-hero-georgios-samaras-set-9749870|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 February, he was unveiled at a press conference and assigned the number 5 shirt.<ref>{{cite news|title=Georgios Samaras unveiled as new Real Zaragoza No. 5|url=http://en.as.com/en/2017/02/08/football/1486558681_090524.html|access-date=4 March 2017|work=Diario AS|date=8 February 2017|archive-date=4 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304194142/http://en.as.com/en/2017/02/08/football/1486558681_090524.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 August 2017, Samaras agreed terms with [[TFF First League]] club [[Samsunspor]].<ref>[http://spor.mynet.com/Eplayer/futbol/1-lig/113484-samaras-ve-sifakis-samsunsporda.html Samaras ve Sifakis Samsunspor'da] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806154236/http://spor.mynet.com/Eplayer/futbol/1-lig/113484-samaras-ve-sifakis-samsunsporda.html |date=6 August 2017 }}. spor.mynet.com. 6 August 2017.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fanatik.com.tr/2017/08/06/samaras-ve-sifakis-samsunspor-da-1311498l |title=Samaras ve Sifakis Samsunspor'da |date=6 August 2017 |publisher=fanatik.com.tr }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On 24 December he scored his first goal with the club, equalising at the end of the first half, in a 4–2 away loss against [[Ümraniyespor]]. It was his first goal since 7 August 2016 when he scored in a 1–1 draw against the [[New York Cosmos (2010)|New York Cosmos]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fanatik.com.tr/2017/12/24/umraniyespor-samsunspor-mac-sonucu-4-2-1338998 |title=Ümraniyespor – Samsunspor maç sonucu: 4-2 |date=24 December 2017 |publisher=fanatik.com.tr |access-date=24 December 2017 |archive-date=25 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091909/http://www.fanatik.com.tr/2017/12/24/umraniyespor-samsunspor-mac-sonucu-4-2-1338998 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/EllinesExoterikou/skorare-ustera-apo-1-5-xrono-o-samaras.5002080.html |title=Σκόραρε ύστερα από 1,5 χρόνο ο Σαμαράς |date=24 December 2017 |publisher=sport24.gr |access-date=26 December 2017 |archive-date=26 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226182124/http://www.sport24.gr/football/EllinesExoterikou/skorare-ustera-apo-1-5-xrono-o-samaras.5002080.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 October 2018, Samaras announced his retirement from football, aged 33.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 October 2018 |title=Georgios Samaras: Former Celtic striker retires after 16-year career |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45835738 |access-date=5 September 2023}}</ref>

==International career==
[[File:Georgios Samaras Greece 2010.jpg|thumb|Samaras lining up for Greece in November 2010]]
Samaras was eligible to play for the [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australian national team]]. His father, [[Ioannis Samaras|Ioannis]], was born in [[Melbourne]], but moved to Greece at the age of 13, and had a successful football career, playing for [[OFI Crete F.C.|OFI]], [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]], and [[Greece national football team|Greece]].<ref name=FIFAdb>{{cite news
 |url         = https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player=297112/profile.html
 |title       = 7 Georgios Samaras
 |publisher=FIFA
 |access-date  = 16 June 2012
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121111023915/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player%3D297112/profile.html
 |archive-date = 11 November 2012
}}</ref> Additionally, his grandfather (also Georgios) was one of the founding members of [[South Melbourne FC]]. Although Samaras considered playing for Australia, he was never approached by [[Football Federation Australia]] and chose to play for the country of his birth.<ref>{{cite news
 | url =   http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/05/23/1148150255018.html?page=fullpage
 | title =   Star who slipped the net
 | publisher =   The Age
 | date =   24 May 2006
 | access-date =   16 June 2012
 | archive-date =   3 November 2012
 | archive-url =   https://web.archive.org/web/20121103021906/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/05/23/1148150255018.html?page=fullpage
 | url-status =   live
 }}</ref>

He made his debut for [[Greece national football team|Greece]] just a week after his 21st birthday, on 28 February 2006, in a friendly game against [[Belarus national football team|Belarus]], in which he scored the sole goal of the game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/02/28/cyprus.tournament/index.html |title=Greece owe it to Samaras on debut |publisher=CNN|date=28 February 2006 |access-date=19 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014144108/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/02/28/cyprus.tournament/index.html |archive-date=14 October 2008 }}</ref> He featured in Greece's [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying|Euro 2008 qualifiers]] and was a member of the unsuccessful Greek squad at the finals,<ref name=FIFAdb/> making just one appearance as a second-half substitute in their first [[UEFA Euro 2008 Group D]] game against [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/300688--greece-vs-sweden/ |publisher=UEFA |access-date=8 February 2015 |title=Greece 0 – 2 Sweden |archive-date=20 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220192541/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/matches/round=15093/match=300688/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Samaras' fourth international goal was a crucial one, when he scored the winning goal in a [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification|2010 World Cup qualifier]] against [[Israel national football team|Israel]] in front of his hometown crowd in [[Pankritio Stadium|Heraklion]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-04-01-3376461325_x.htm |title=Greece beats Israel 2–1 in WCup qualifier |work=USA Today |date=1 April 2009 |access-date=19 June 2012}}</ref> He scored his fifth international goal with an overhead kick in a World Cup qualifier on 10 October 2009, against [[Latvia national football team|Latvia]] in a 5–2 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236543&cc=5739 |title=Four-goal haul for Gekas sends Greece second |work=Soccernet |publisher=ESPN |date=10 October 2009 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024035452/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236543&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Samaras also played against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] in a World Cup Qualifying play-off, setting up the sole goal of the tie, passing to [[Dimitris Salpingidis]] who slotted home to give Greece a 1–0 win and a place in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup Finals]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/1118/ukraine_greece.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914000200/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/1118/ukraine_greece.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 September 2012 |title=Ukraine 0–1 Greece (0–1 Agg) |publisher=RTÉ Sport |date=18 November 2009 |access-date=19 June 2012 }}</ref>

On 1 June 2010, Georgios Samaras was selected in the 23-man Greece squad for the World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8715822.stm
 | title =  World Cup 2010: Greece boss Otto Rehhagel names squad
 | publisher =   BBC Sport
 | date =   1 June 2010
 | access-date =19 June 2012}}</ref> [[ESPN.com]] rated him as Greece's second best player, only behind talisman [[Giorgos Karagounis]].<ref name="2010WorldCup">{{cite news
 | url =  http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5239604/ce/us/greece-team-preview&cc=5901?ver=us
 | title =  Team preview: Greece
 | publisher =  ESPN
 | work =  Soccernet
 | date =  1 June 2010
 | access-date =  16 December 2011
 }}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He played in all three group matches.<ref name=FIFAdb/> Despite Greece's 2–1 win over [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]], they failed to proceed to the knockout stage, due to 2–0 losses to both [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] and [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]].<ref>{{cite news
 | url =  http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/800827/ce/uk/?cc=5739&ver=global
 | title =  Samaras laments exit, backs Argentina
 | publisher =  ESPN
 | work =  Soccernet
 | date =  23 June 2010
 | access-date =  19 June 2012
 | archive-date =  24 October 2012
 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20121024035511/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/800827/ce/uk/?cc=5739&ver=global
 | url-status =  dead
 }}</ref>
On 17 November 2010, Samaras scored his sixth international goal in a friendly against [[Austria national football team|Austria]] in Vienna with Greece winning the match 2–1.<ref name=AUT21>{{cite news
 |url         = http://football.uk.reuters.com/leagues/european/news/2010/11/17/LDE6AG2BT.php
 |title       = Samaras inspires Greece to fortuitous win in Austria
 |agency   = Reuters
 |date        = 17 November 2010
 |access-date  = 19 June 2012
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130104141533/http://football.uk.reuters.com/leagues/european/news/2010/11/17/LDE6AG2BT.php
 |archive-date = 4 January 2013
}}</ref> Samaras also set up Greece's second goal.<ref name=AUT21/>

Samaras then went on to score a vital goal for Greece against Croatia on 7 October 2011, a volley from the edge of the box with his left foot. The match finished 2–0 and the result meant that Greece qualified for the [[UEFA Euro 2012|Euro 2012]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/2012/qualifying/greece-croatia-368950.html |title=Greece 2–0 Croatia |publisher=Yahoo/Eurosport.com |date=7 October 2011 |access-date=27 November 2011 |archive-date=21 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121095559/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/2012/qualifying/greece-croatia-368950.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Samaras played in all three of Greece's group games at Euro 2012, helping them to finish second in [[UEFA Euro 2012 Group A|Group A]] and progress to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/teams/49--greece/ |title=UEFA EURO 2012 – History – Greece |publisher=UEFA |access-date=8 February 2015 |archive-date=16 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016054236/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/teams/team=49/matches/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He then played in the quarter-final tie against [[Germany national football team|Germany]], scoring early in the second half to level the match at 1–1, although Germany went on to win 4–2 and knock Greece out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2003344--germany-vs-greece/ |title=Germany 4 – 2 Greece |publisher=UEFA |access-date=8 February 2015 |archive-date=31 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731081044/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15173/match=2003344/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Samaras was selected in Greece's squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]]. In the team's final group stage fixture, Samaras assisted Greece's opening goal and scored the winner from a penalty kick in the 90th minute to give the team a 2–1 win over the [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] and qualify Greece for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.<ref>{{cite news  | url =  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285284  | title =  Greece 2–1 Ivory Coast  | publisher =  BBC Sport | date =  24 June 2014  | access-date =  24 June 2014  | archive-date =  23 June 2014  | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20140623210416/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285284  | url-status =  live  }}</ref>

==Style of play==
Samaras has been described as having all the skills necessary for forward play.<ref name="styleplay">{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/georgios-samaras-has-all-the-attributes-to-be-a-lethal-weapon-for-celtic-but-his-inconsistency-still-frustrates-1.991402 |title=Georgios Samaras has all the attributes to be a lethal weapon for Celtic but his inconsistency still frustrates |work=Herald |date=1 December 2009 |access-date=19 June 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011155357/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/georgios-samaras-has-all-the-attributes-to-be-a-lethal-weapon-for-celtic-but-his-inconsistency-still-frustrates-1.991402 |url-status=live }}</ref> His height, {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m|abbr=on}}, made him difficult to handle in the air – and he was also a good header of the ball. This meant he could be used as an effective [[target man]] and his team could hit long balls up to him. He could also score from corners and crosses. Samaras was also strong which further added to his physical presence and made him harder for defenders to play against.<ref name="RonaldinhoHeader" />
[[File:Innes and Samaras.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Samaras' ability to go past defenders is considered one of his best attributes]]
Samaras was also a good dribbler.<ref name="Elvis">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/2008/06/08/steven-pressley-celtic-stars-can-be-hits-at-euro-2008-78057-20599424/ |title=Steven Pressley: Celtic stars can be hits at Euro 2008 |work=Daily Record |date=8 June 2008 |access-date=17 December 2011 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> This was due to his skill, quick feet and agility. He used this to his advantage and often went on runs where he beat several opposition players. However, he sometimes held onto the ball for too long and got tackled.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9654769.stm |title=Sunday's SPL as it happened – 13:00 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 December 2011 |access-date=17 December 2011}}</ref> As well as his dribbling ability, he was quick which meant he could beat players with his pace. He could also use his strength to beat players as well and was also able to use his creativity to set up goals for other players.<ref name=StrachBack/><ref name="2010WorldCup" /> While he was at Manchester City, Eriksson said that he would only retain him in the side if he stopped dribbling and running out wide. Eriksson said that he believed Samaras to be a good header of the ball and he had to stop believing he was like [[Ronaldinho]] if he was to become a good player.<ref name="RonaldinhoHeader" />

Although predominantly a [[Forward (association football)|striker]], Samaras could also play as a [[Midfielder#Left midfielder|left midfielder]]. In addition to being able to play as a target man, Samaras was also able to be utilised in several different roles when playing up front. His natural style of play was to drift off the front line and provide a link between the attack and midfield. In doing this he was able to use his pace and skill to run at the defence, while also creating chances or opening up space for his teammates.<ref name="2010WorldCup" /><ref name="Elvis" /> He was also able to run beyond the centre-backs and his pace meant he could run on to through balls hit over the defence.<ref name=StrachBack/>

Despite his ability, Samaras performed inconsistently throughout his career. His mazy runs often went nowhere and he frequently got caught in possession when a pass to a team-mate was available.  His languid manner exacerbated supporters' frustrations and often led to accusations of him being "lazy".<ref name="styleplay" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Cully|first=Ronnie|title=Lennon hails Celtic legacy of Samaras|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/celtic/lennon-hails-celtic-legacy-of-samaras-158039n.23853547|work=Evening Times|access-date=15 May 2014|date=2 April 2014|archive-date=5 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405182856/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/celtic/lennon-hails-celtic-legacy-of-samaras-158039n.23853547|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cully|first=Ronnie|title=Hair today and gone tomorrow as Samaras signs off at Celtic|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/celtic/hair-today-and-gone-tomorrow-as-samaras-signs-off-at-celtic-163293n.24207392|access-date=15 May 2014|date=13 May 2014|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224140014/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/celtic/hair-today-and-gone-tomorrow-as-samaras-signs-off-at-celtic-163293n.24207392|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hannan|first=Martin|title=New Georgios Samaras deal next on Celtic wish list|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/new-georgios-samaras-deal-next-on-celtic-wish-list-1-3127353|work=The Scotsman|access-date=15 May 2014|date=5 October 2013|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819094645/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/new-georgios-samaras-deal-next-on-celtic-wish-list-1-3127353|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Berry|first1=Gavin|title=Paul Hartley: Celtic ace Georgios Samaras was always a top Bhoy|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-hartley-celtic-ace-georgios-2117917|work=Daily Record|access-date=21 June 2014|date=2 August 2013|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083046/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-hartley-celtic-ace-georgios-2117917|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}<ref name="sbstats">{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/georgios-samaras/2862/ |title=Greece – Georgios Samaras |access-date=6 March 2018 |website=Soccerway |archive-date=7 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307022840/https://int.soccerway.com/players/georgios-samaras/2862/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=70142/profile/index.html |title=Georgios Samaras |access-date=27 February 2011 |publisher=UEFA |archive-date=5 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105014247/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=70142/profile/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[KNVB Cup]], [[FA Cup]], [[Scottish Cup]], [[Saudi Crown Prince Cup|Crown Prince Cup]], [[Copa del Rey]], [[Turkish Cup]].}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Football League Cup]], [[Scottish League Cup]], [[King Cup of Champions|Saudi King's Cup]].}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]]
|[[2002–03 Eredivisie|2002–03]]
|rowspan="4"|[[Eredivisie]]
|15||4||1||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||5
|-
|[[2003–04 Eredivisie|2003–04]]
|27||4||3||0||colspan="2"|—||6||1||36||5
|-
|[[2004–05 Eredivisie|2004–05]]
|31||11||1||0||colspan="2"|—||5||0||37||11
|-
|[[2005–06 Eredivisie|2005–06]]
|15||6||1||1||colspan="2"|—||5||2||21||9
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!88!!25!!6!!2!!0!!0!!16!!3!!110!!30
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
|[[2005–06 FA Premier League|2005–06]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Premier League]]
|14||4||2||1||0||0||0||0||16||5
|-
|[[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07]]
|35||4||5||1||1||1||0||0||41||6
|-
|[[2007–08 Premier League|2007–08]]
|5||0||0||0||2||1||0||0||7||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!54!!8!!7!!2!!3!!2!!0!!0!!64!!12
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
|[[2007–08 Scottish Premier League|2007–08]]
|rowspan="6"|[[Scottish Premier League]]
|16||5||3||1||0||0||2||0||21||6
|-
|[[2008–09 Scottish Premier League|2008–09]]
|31||15||2||0||3||2||4||0||40||17
|-
|[[2009–10 Scottish Premier League|2009–10]]
|32||10||2||0||1||0||8||3||43||13
|-
|[[2010–11 Scottish Premier League|2010–11]]
|22||3||5||0||3||3||4||1||34||7
|-
|[[2011–12 Scottish Premier League|2011–12]]
|26||4||4||2||1||0||7||0||38||6
|-
|[[2012–13 Scottish Premier League|2012–13]]
|25||9||4||0||1||0||10||5||40||14
|-
|[[2013–14 Scottish Premiership|2013–14]]
|[[Scottish Premiership]]
|20||7||1||0||0||0||12||4||33||11
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!172!!53!!21!!3!!9!!5!!47!!13!!249!!74
|-
|[[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]
|[[2014–15 Premier League|2014–15]]
|Premier League
|5||0||1||0||2||0||0||0||8||0
|-
|[[Al-Hilal FC|Al-Hilal]]
|[[2014–15 Saudi Professional League|2014–15]]
|[[Saudi Professional League]]
|5||0||2||1||1||1||3||0||11||2
|-
|[[Rayo OKC|Rayo Oklahoma City]]
|[[2016 North American Soccer League season|2016]]
|[[North American Soccer League (2011–2017)|NASL]]
|24||2||1||0||0||0||0||0||25||2
|-
|[[Real Zaragoza|Zaragoza]]
|[[2016–17 Segunda División|2016–17]]
|[[Segunda División]]
|7||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||7||0
|-
|[[Samsunspor]]
|[[TFF First League|2017–18]]
|[[TFF First League]]
|25||2||1||0||0||0||0||0||26||2
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!380!!90!!39!!8!!15!!8!!66!!16!!500!!122
|}

{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|13121|name=Georgios Samaras |access-date=20 February 2011}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="9"|[[Greece national football team|Greece]]
|2006||7||3
|-
|2007||7||0
|-
|2008||8||0
|-
|2009||9||2
|-
|2010||12||1
|-
|2011||8||1
|-
|2012||12||1
|-
|2013||7||0
|-
|2014||11||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!81!!9
|}

:''Scores and results list Greece's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Samaras goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Georgios Samaras
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| style="text-align:center"|1
| 28 February 2006|| [[Tsirion Stadium]], [[Limassol]], Cyprus || {{fb|BLR}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]] || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/02/28/world/friendlies/greece/belarus/361551/ |title=Greece vs. Belarus – 28 February 2006 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|2
| 1 March 2006 || [[GSP Stadium]], [[Nicosia]], Cyprus || {{fb|KAZ}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || Friendly || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/03/01/world/friendlies/kazakhstan/greece/361565/ |title=Kazakhstan vs. Greece – 1 March 2006 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|3
| 11 October 2006 || [[Bilino Polje]], [[Zenica]], Bosnia and Herzegovina || {{fb|BIH}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group C|UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]] || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/10/11/europe/european-championship-qualification/bosnia-herzegovina/greece/354030/ |title=Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Greece – 11 October 2006 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=13 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113140919/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/10/11/europe/european-championship-qualification/bosnia-herzegovina/greece/354030/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|4
| 1 April 2009 || [[Pankritio Stadium]], [[Heraklion]], Greece || {{fb|ISR}} || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 2|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]] || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/04/01/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/greece/israel/705686/ |title=Greece vs. Israel – 1 April 2009 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020012100/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/04/01/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/greece/israel/705686/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|5
| 10 October 2009 || [[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Olympic Stadium]], Athens, Greece || {{fb|LAT}} || style="text-align:center"|4–2 || style="text-align:center"|5–2 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/10/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/greece/latvia/705781/ |title=Greece vs. Latvia – 10 October 2009 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020012105/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/10/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/greece/latvia/705781/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|6
| 17 November 2010 || [[Ernst-Happel-Stadion]], Vienna, Austria || {{fb|AUT}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || Friendly || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/11/17/world/friendlies/austria/greece/983870/ |title=Austria vs. Greece – 17 November 2010 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021004352/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/11/17/world/friendlies/austria/greece/983870/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|7
| 7 October 2011 || [[Karaiskakis Stadium]], [[Piraeus]], Greece || {{fb|CRO}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F|UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying]] || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/10/07/europe/european-championship-qualification/greece/croatia/922668/ |title=Greece vs. Croatia – 7 October 2011 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020012151/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/10/07/europe/european-championship-qualification/greece/croatia/922668/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|8
| 22 June 2012 || [[PGE Arena Gdańsk|PGE Arena]]‚ [[Gdańsk]], Poland || {{fb|GER}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–4 || [[UEFA Euro 2012]]|| style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/06/22/europe/european-championships/germany/greece/1063217/ |title=Germany vs. Greece – 22 June 2012 |website=Soccerway |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902215957/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/06/22/europe/european-championships/germany/greece/1063217/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|9
| 24 June 2014 || [[Estádio Castelão]]‚ [[Fortaleza]], Brazil || {{fb|CIV}} || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] || style="text-align:center"|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285284 |title=Greece 2–1 Ivory Coast – 24 June 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2014 |archive-date=23 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623210416/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285284 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

==Honours==
'''Celtic'''<ref name="sbstats" />
*[[Scottish Premier League]]: [[2007–08 Scottish Premier League|2007–08]], [[2011–12 Scottish Premier League|2011–12]], [[2012–13 Scottish Premier League|2012–13]], [[2013–14 Scottish Premiership|2013–14]]
*[[Scottish Cup]]: [[2011 Scottish Cup Final|2010–11]], [[2013 Scottish Cup Final|2012–13]]
*[[Scottish League Cup]]: [[2009 Scottish League Cup Final|2008–09]]

'''Al-Hilal'''<ref name="sbstats" />
*[[Saudi Crown Prince Cup]] runner-up: [[2014–15 Saudi Crown Prince Cup|2014–15]]

'''Individual'''
*[[Scottish Premier League monthly awards|SPL Player of the Month]]: [[Scottish Premier League 2008–09#Monthly awards|September 2008]]<ref name="September awards">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7649064.stm|title=Strachan and Samaras net awards|date=3 October 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=3 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004203443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7649064.stm| archive-date= 4 October 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
* [[Celtic F.C. Player of The Year|Celtic Supporters' Player of the Year]]: 2012–13<ref>{{cite web|last=Slevison|first=Andrew|title=Samaras takes out Celtic Supporters' award, Forster voted for by players|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/samaras-takes-out-celtic-supporters-award-forster-voted-players-3954973|website=tribal football|access-date=3 June 2014|archive-date=17 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617043650/http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/samaras-takes-out-celtic-supporters-award-forster-voted-players-3954973|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[2014 FIFA World Cup awards]]: Man of the match Greece vs Ivory Coast<ref>{{cite web|title=Greece 2-1 Côte d'Ivoire|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186455/#matchfacts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702034209/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186455/#matchfacts|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 July 2014|publisher=FIFA|access-date=5 January 2015}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{official website|http://www.gsamaras.com}}
*{{CelticFC.net|id=player.php?id=3|title=Georgios Samaras|archive=20130917085222}}
*{{Soccerbase}}

{{Navboxes
|title= Greece squads
|bg=#0000cd
|fg= #FFFFFF
|list1=
{{Greece squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{Greece squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Greece squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{Greece squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Celtic F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Samaras, Georgios}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Al Hilal SFC players]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Celtic F.C. players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States]]
[[Category:Greece men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Greece men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate sportspeople in Scotland]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Greek expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:Greek people of Australian descent]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Manchester City F.C. players]]
[[Category:North American Soccer League (2011–2017) players]]
[[Category:OFI Crete F.C. players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Rayo OKC players]]
[[Category:Samsunspor footballers]]
[[Category:Scottish Premier League players]]
[[Category:Scottish Professional Football League players]]
[[Category:SC Heerenveen players]]
[[Category:Real Zaragoza players]]
[[Category:Saudi Pro League players]]
[[Category:Footballers from Heraklion]]
[[Category:Greek men's footballers]]
[[Category:TFF 1. Lig players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2008 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players]]
[[Category:West Bromwich Albion F.C. players]]
[[Category:21st-century Greek sportsmen]]