Ioannis Damanakis (Greek: ÃÂÃÂìýý÷àÃÂñüñýìú÷ÃÂ; born 2 October 1952) is a Greek former international footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.
Damanakis began his career at AO Chania before transferring to PAOK in 1976. He was a personal choice of former PAOK FC president Giorgos Pantelakis. A tireless defensive midfielder who gave his all on the football pitch, the Cretan quickly became a first-team regular and also a fan favorite. He made 242 league appearances scoring 16 goals with the White-blacks of the North. He participated in 5 Greek Cup finals and won the 1985 league title. After 9 years with PAOK, he played one season for Makedonikos and ended his career at E.A.R.
Damanakis had 24 caps for the Greece national football team between 1977 and 1983, scoring 1 goal. He was a member of the squad that participated in the UEFA Euro 1980.
PAOK