At the age of 17, Konstantinos Karetsas is not just considered a great hope for the future of Greek football, but already an integral part of its present. His first goal for the Men’s National Team, in the away match against Scotland for the Nations League, was not just a beautiful personal moment. It was the goal that made him the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Blue and White, beating records that seemed elusive. And at the same time, it was the goal that screamed in every way that a new leader was being born.

From Belgium to Serres, and back again

Konstantinos Karetsas was born on 19 November 2007 in Belgium, to Greek parents originally from Serres. Although he grew up far from Greece, he grew up with Greece deep inside him. In his home they spoke Greek, followed Greek traditions and he never lost touch with the country of his heart. As he himself has admitted, every summer he spent several weeks in Serres, with relatives and friends, and this made him feel doubly Greek.

From a very young age, he showed his passion for football.At the age of 9, he joined the academy of Genk, a hotbed of great talent in Belgian and European football.There he learned the secrets of the sport and through hard work and dedication he developed into one of the most promising players of his generation.There were more than a few who spoke of a ‘phenomenon’ who would sooner or later find his place in Europe’s top leagues.

The difficult decision and the Greek dream

Although he had been called up and played with the Belgian national junior teams, Karetsas had a big decision to make.The Belgian federation was counting on him for the future and offered him a path full of promise.However, his heart belonged elsewhere.

“I always knew who I was and where I came from,” he had said in an earlier interview. So when the offer came from the Greek national team, he didn’t think twice. He donned the blue and white jersey with pride and declared himself ready to give it all for the country of his ancestors. His decision touched and delighted the Greek public, who welcomed him as one of their own, a player who fights with passion, heart and self-denial.

The historic goal

His first goal for the Men’s National Team was under everyone’s gaze.Expectations were high, but he never buckled under the weight of them.In the away match against Scotland in the Nations League on March 23, 2025, he wrote his name in history.

In the 42nd minute of the match, after a quick counterattack, Karetsas found himself in the Scottish goal. With a composure that would be the envy of even the most experienced players, he beat the goalkeeper with a masterful finish and scored his first goal for the Men’s National Team.It was Greece’s second goal in that match, which ended in an impressive 3-0 victory.

With this goal, Konstantinos Karetsas became the youngest scorer in the history of the Greek national team, at the age of 17 years, four months and four days, breaking the record of Sotiris Ninis.

The moment of the apotheosis and his first statements

The end of the game found him among teammates who lifted him up in their arms, but also thousands of fans who chanted his name. The young striker, excited and full of enthusiasm, made his first statements in front of the cameras:

“I can’t describe what I feel. It’s the dream of my life. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of wearing this jersey and scoring for Greece.I want to dedicate this goal to my family, to my parents who have always supported me and to my grandparents in Serres, who made me love our country. I am proud to represent Greece and I promise to give everything to make it great in football again.”

Tomorrow is written today

Karetsas’ performance against Scotland opened a new page for the national team. It’s not just the goal he scored, but the way he moved on the field, the maturity he showed, his tactical commitment and the personality he brings to the table despite his young age.
At Genk they are already talking about a player they are unlikely to keep for much longer. The eyes of big European clubs are on him and his name is on scouting lists from the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A.

Greece is in need of such players. Players who don’t just play for glory or the jersey, but for the dream. Konstantinos Karetsas seems to be the one who can inspire a whole generation.

The dream is just beginning

After the big night in Glasgow, everyone knows that his story has just begun. Grounded and determined, he continues to work hard and look forward. As he said just before he left Scotland:

“This is just the beginning. We have a lot to achieve with this team. And I personally want to give my all to get as high as possible. And it looks like Konstantinos Karetsas is here to stay. To write his own chapter in the book of Greek football. A chapter we all look forward to reading.