Nikos Nicolaou born 5 August 1973) is a Cypriot former professional footballer who played as a midfielder or defender. He spent the majority of his senior career with Nea Salamis and Anorthosis Famagusta, serving as captain for the latter during their historic 2008–09 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Club career Nicolaou began his career in the youth ranks of Apollon Limassol before making his senior debut with Nea Salamis Famagusta in 1992. He spent nine seasons at Nea Salamis, featuring in over 140 league matches.
In 2001, Nicolaou transferred to Anorthosis Famagusta. He eventually became club captain and played a vital role in the team's successes throughout the decade, winning two Cypriot First Division titles and two Cypriot Cups.
During the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, Nicolaou captained Anorthosis as they became the first Cypriot club to qualify for the group stage of the competition. On 26 November 2008, he scored a goal in a 2–2 home draw against Werder Bremen in Group B.
He retired from professional football at the conclusion of the 2008–09 season.
International career Nicolaou made his senior international debut for Cyprus in 1999. Between 1999 and 2005, he earned 27 caps and scored one goal for his country.
Coaching career Following his retirement as a player, Nicolaou remained at Anorthosis Famagusta as part of the technical staff. In early 2010, he briefly served as the team's caretaker manager.
Career statistics
Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupContinentalTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsNea Salamis1992–93Cypriot First Division121–1211993–94Cypriot First Division182–1821994–95Cypriot First Division150–1501995–96Cypriot First Division203–2031996–97Cypriot First Division162–1621997–98Cypriot First Division141–1411998–99Cypriot First Division173–1731999–00Cypriot First Division164–1642000–01Cypriot First Division142–142Total142180014218Anorthosis Famagusta2001–02Cypriot First Division225–2252002–03Cypriot First Division246402862003–04Cypriot First Division214202342004–05Cypriot First Division235–2352005–06Cypriot First Division226612872006–07Cypriot First Division204–2042007–08Cypriot First Division247603072008–09Cypriot First Division203101304Total1764028220442Career total3185828234660
International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsCyprus199910200050200120200261200370200450200540Total301
Scores and results list Cyprus's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nicolaou goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Nikos NicolaouNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1Diagoras Stadium, Rhodes, Greece1–01–3Friendly
Honours Anorthosis Famagusta Cypriot First Division: 2004–05, 2007–08 Cypriot Cup: 2001–02, 2006–07 Cypriot Super Cup: 2007
References