A decisive pivot at Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos is entering a new phase off the pitch, as owner Giannis Alafouzos weighs radical changes that extend beyond the coaching staff. After parting ways with Rui Vítoria, leadership of the first team has temporarily shifted to Christos Kontis, but strong signals point toward a broader organizational revamp. In this tension between continuity and transformation, Franco Baldini has emerged as a potential key figure in guiding football matters at the historic Greek club.
Reports from Greece indicate that the two sides have found a “golden balance” and have formally agreed to explore Baldini’s involvement. The next step will determine whether the 64-year-old Italian will activate the advisory role immediately and how his presence could reshape the club’s football strategy, staffing, and long-term direction.
Amid the talks, Italian outlets have floated another intriguing possibility: Baldini could seek to recruit Daniele De Rossi as a coach should he secure a position at Panathinaikos. While such moves are speculative for now, they underscore the influence a director with Baldini’s resume might wield in framing the club’s future.
Who is Franco Baldini?
Franco Baldini is a renowned figure in European football, known for his work across several top clubs and national teams. Born in Reggio Emilia near Modena, Baldini has long been associated with high-caliber projects and complex footballing operations. His career includes significant spells at AS Roma, Real Madrid, the England national team, and Tottenham Hotspur, positioning him as one of the sport’s most experienced executives.
His trajectory in football administration began with Roma, where he served as director of football for about six years (1999-2005). He then moved to Real Madrid (2006-2007) and subsequently to the England national team (2007-2011) in a similar capacity. Baldini returned to Roma as chief executive in 2011-2013, before taking on a technical director role at Tottenham (2013-2015). A later return to Roma as head coach from 2016 to 2018 rounded out a career defined by a blend of recruitment, strategy, and on-pitch insights.
What the Baldini deal could mean for Panathinaikos
Should Baldini formalize his position as an adviser, Panathinaikos could see a structured overhaul of its football operations. A collaborator with a broad network and a talent for assembling coaching and technical teams, Baldini’s involvement could impact several areas: scouting and recruitment processes, player development pathways, and the overall football philosophy at the club.
For Alafouzos, the owner known for his willingness to shake up the status quo, Baldini’s appointment would symbolize a deliberate shift toward a more professional, well-connected European framework. The aim would be to align the club’s resources with a clear, long-term plan that supports both immediate competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The De Rossi angle and coaching ambitions
Italian media reports have highlighted the possibility that Baldini could target Daniele De Rossi as a potential head coach if he accepts an advisory role at Panathinaikos. De Rossi, a legendary Roma captain, would bring prestige and a sophisticated tactical understanding. Whether that scenario moves from rumor to reality remains to be seen, but it illustrates the level of ambition Baldini is perceived to carry and the type of profile the club might seek to lead its football project.
Implications for the club’s season and strategy
In the near term, the biggest question is timing: will Baldini act quickly to shape a new football department, and how will this affect the current coaching situation and squad planning? The transition under Kontis has already signaled a readiness to re-evaluate coaching, recruitment, and performance targets. If Baldini joins in an official capacity, expect a more formalized approach to transfers, contract negotiations, and a clear delineation between football strategy and day-to-day management.
Panathinaikos’s broader objective appears to be building a more resilient, data-informed, and globally connected operation. Baldini’s track record—combining leadership roles at top clubs with an eye for talent and structure—could help the club translate high-level football knowledge into concrete changes across departments. The coming weeks will reveal how far this pact extends and what it means for Panathinaikos’ ambitions in domestic and European competitions.
Background on Baldini’s European footprint
Beyond the headlines, Baldini’s career maps a path through some of Europe’s most storied clubs and national teams. His work at Roma, Real Madrid, the England setup, and Tottenham gives him a reputation for navigating complex football environments and aligning sporting objectives with organizational realities. For a club like Panathinaikos, the value lies not only in his résumé but in the network and strategic mindset he could bring to a multi-faceted football project.
