People of the Union: Thanos Sarris (Greece)

People of the Union puts the spotlight on individuals across FIFPRO’s member associations who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of professional footballers.

Thanos Sarris, Executive Secretary General of Greek player union PSAPP, talks about his passion for securing better professional environments for players and the importance of player unions around the world standing side by side.

FIFPRO: Tell us about yourself: what’s your current role and what’s your background? 

Thanos Sarris: I am currently the Executive Secretary General of PSAPP, the Greek players’ union. This is a relatively new chapter for me, as my professional background is primarily in journalism. I have covered major football events, held managerial positions in large media and marketing organisations, and also authored and published four books.

What issue affecting player welfare are you most passionate about?

I cannot accept that after so many years of collective struggles and achievements, there are still some wheeler-dealers who aspire to gamble with players’ careers, lives and their mental health. We will continue to fight until a better professional environment will be a reality and not just wishful thinking.

Can you share one of your proudest moments or achievements working as a union representative? 

After many years of fighting and negotiating, PSAPP succeeded in securing compensation for 44 affected ex-footballers who believed their money was permanently lost and who were deeply impacted by that situation. The historic rulings related to our first appeals in women’s football in Greece were another major highlight. 

Our documentary on women’s football, as well as the FIFPRO Merit Award for our member Andreas Tetteh and our second-place finish in the voting for the FIFPRO Union Award, hold a special place in what was a truly intense 2025, in a completely new environment for me.

If you could change something in football, what would it be? 

Footballers and their unions must play a leading role in decision-making. Football has evolved into a highly profitable business and this inevitably attracts more stakeholders, often with the intention of weakening players’ power and rights. We cannot allow this to happen.

Is there anyone in the union world or in sports in general who inspires you? 

PSAPP’s chairman, Georgios Bantis, is a tremendous source of inspiration. Not only in sport but across society as a whole.

What is your favourite football memory to date? 

I was in my first year at university when Greece won Euro 2004 and I honestly do not think I can recall a sporting moment stronger than that.

Who is your favourite footballer ever and why? 

It is difficult to name just one. As a child, Gabriel Batistuta was my favorite player. As I grew older, however, I began to appreciate more than just footballing ability, learning about figures such as Socrates, Didier Drogba, Eric Cantona and of course, again, Gabriel. From Greece, Dimitris Saravakos and Demis Nikolaidis were my personal favorites. Demis was also part of the Euro 2004 squad and now works as a pundit, remaining consistently close to footballers and distinguished by a strong ethos.

Is there anything outside of football you are interested in lately?

Rock music and literature. I play the guitar at an amateur level and for me, a great rock concert carries the same energy and emotion as a great football match. I am also trying to focus my thoughts on a new book.

What does being part of a global union mean to you?

For me personally, this role is both a great honor and a fascinating journey. I have just completed a course in sports law, and I recently told a colleague that in the past 12 months, I have learned more than I did in the previous five years. I have always believed that footballers possess immense power through their union, and it is our responsibility to help them understand and use it. Being there for them is therefore a major responsibility.

And looking forward, what do you hope to see unions unite more on to shape the future of football for the players?

In my view, there is no alternative. What happened in the summer of 2025, when unions from around the world stood side by side, demonstrated that in a period of profound challenges and actions aimed directly at the core of our existence, unity is our strength. United, we move forward with clarity and determination.