Cypriot football legend Takis Charalambous passes away

Takis Charalambous, an iconic figure in Cypriot football, passed away on October 2, 2026. His death has sparked widespread mourning across the country, with Paphos FC issuing an official statement honoring his long-standing dedication and contributions to the sport. He is remembered for his extensive career as a player, coach, and technical director.

Charalambous began his professional career with Evagoras Paphos, where he played from 1962 to 1982. During this period, he set a club record with 453 appearances across all competitions and was a key member of the team that achieved its first promotion to the First Division in the 1967-68 season. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, where he served all levels of the Cypriot national team, including two stints as head coach of the senior national team in 1987 and 2001. He also served as the technical director of the Cyprus Football Association and coached A.E. Paphos 2000 in 2003, leaving an indelible legacy in both Paphos and the broader national football community.