Soulis Markopoulos, the Greek basketball figure who spent decades both on the court and sideline, died on September 25, 2026, in Thessaloniki. He was 77 years old.
Born Anastasios Markopoulos in Thessaloniki on March 1, 1949, he began playing club basketball in 1967. Over the next 11 years, he suited up for Olympos Saranta Ekklision and Dimokritos Thessaloniki. His playing career ended in 1978, but he soon shifted to coaching.
Markopoulos built a coaching career that spanned more than 40 years. He led teams including Iraklis Thessaloniki, PAOK Thessaloniki, Aris Thessaloniki, Makedonikos, AEK Athens and Maroussi Athens. He is credited with holding the Greek Championship record for the most total games as a head coach. The exact number remains unconfirmed, but sources say he coached more games than any other Greek coach in league history.
In 2023, Markopoulos was inducted into the Greek Basket League Hall of Fame. His career in Greece’s basketball circles spanned five decades, and his influence was regarded as significant. He was known for his disciplined coaching style and his ability to develop young players.
His death was confirmed by family members and Greek basketball officials. He passed away in Thessaloniki, the city where he was born. No details about the cause of death have been released.
Markopoulos's impact extended beyond his coaching. His playing days from 1967 to 1978 helped shape his understanding of the game. His experience on the court informed his coaching philosophy, which emphasized tactical discipline and strategic execution.
He was celebrated for his longevity. His record for most games coached in Greece’s top league stood for years. The Greek Basket League Hall of Fame cited his contributions to Greek basketball as a primary reason for his induction. His presence in the sport was recognized by players, coaches, and officials alike.
Thessaloniki, his hometown, was where he spent much of his life. He was often seen at games, even after retiring from coaching. Friends and colleagues described him as dedicated and precise. His passing leaves a void in the Greek basketball community.
Few figures in Greek sports have matched Markopoulos’s level of involvement across multiple decades. His influence on the game in Greece is marked by his record number of coaching appearances and his role in developing local talent.
His death has prompted tributes from Greek basketball circles. The Greek Basketball Federation issued a statement mourning his loss, emphasizing his contributions to the sport. The official said his legacy includes setting standards for coaching longevity and professionalism.
Markopoulos’s name remains linked to Greek basketball history. His career, which began in the late 1960s, spanned a period of major change in the sport. His passing underscores how long he dedicated himself to the game in Greece.
He is survived by family members from Thessaloniki. His death closes a chapter in Greek basketball history that began with his early playing days and extended through his long coaching career. The sport's community now reflects on his influence and the record he set for coaching longevity.
According to Dead-People.