Who is Charalampos Kostoulas? Youngster linked with Real Madrid & Man United

The teenager has attracted interest from top clubs in Europe.

The young forward is on track to land his ideal transfer after having an incredible start to his career in Greece.

Despite turning 17 last May, Charalampos Kostoulas, an Olympiacos sensation, is already drawing interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, if reports are to be believed. The excitement surrounding the young forward is increasing with every game, which is evidence of the enormous influence he has had at the Greek club since making the move to the first squad.

Superstar football players are not typically produced in Greece. However, Charalampos Kostoulas appears capable of shattering the mould. Darko Kovacevic, Olympiacos’ sporting director, has called him a “marvel of nature” after his quick ascent to fame there captivated the public’s attention in his native country.

How he developed into the most promising player?

Charalampos Kostoulas had always been a football fan. Over the course of his 21-year career, his father, Athanasios, earned two caps for the Greek national team and over 300 top-flight appearances as a defender with Olympiacos.

Charalampos and his sibling, Konstantinos, began their journey with AS Agia Anna, a mountain hamlet club in central Greece, with the goal of following in their father’s footsteps. At the age of twelve, Charalampos finally received his big break when he was asked to represent PAOK Athens in a competition in Dusseldorf, Germany.

🚨🇬🇷 Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Olympiacos’ teenage duo Charalampos Kostoulas (17) and Christos Mouzakitis (18) this season. #MUFC [@JournoHaff] pic.twitter.com/5USH7l2gZf

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) February 11, 2025

With ten goals, the gifted attacker took advantage of the opportunity, leading PAOK to make an attempt to recruit him into their youth league. To keep the kids of one of their former players out of the hands of their bitter rivals, Olympiacos snatched the move and swooped in to recruit Charalampos and Konstantinos.

Olympiacos quickly saw the benefits of that choice, as Charalampos scored 16 goals in 15 games to lead the team’s Under-15s to the league championship in 2021–2022. It surely helped him earn his first professional contract. At the age of 15, he was given the opportunity to make his debut for Olympiacos’ B team and recorded another 12 goal involvements as the team won the Greek Super League U17 the following season.

Charalampos Kostoulas playing style

Charalampos Kostoulas has a silky first touch that helps him to receive the ball neatly under pressure. He excels at link-up play because of his exceptional control in confined spaces.

He can take on defenders one-on-one because of his quick feet and excellent close control. One of his main advantages, particularly when used as a winger, is his ability to beat defenders.

Two Greek wonderkids making serious waves at Olympiacos, and Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford & Man United have already made enquiries 👀🔥Charalampos Kostoulas (17,CF) – aka “Babistuta” 🦁⚡ Rapid (36 km/h), direct, and a nightmare for defenders. He’s already winning games on… pic.twitter.com/9iRmAv2Vr8

— Pro Future Stars (@ProFutureStars1) February 10, 2025

He exhibits poise within the box and is a natural finisher with both feet. He is capable of scoring from a number of spots, including the six-yard box, the area’s border, and even beyond. He uses a solid balance of placement and power in his precise finishing.

How it’s going for the teenager

One of the key players in Olympiacos’ Europa League victories over Porto and Qarabag, Charalampos Kostoulas has six goal contributions in 18 league games and is currently a Greece U21 international. Although he shares the spotlight with Christos Mouzakitis, an academy graduate, Kostoulas seems to have a higher ceiling than his deep-lying teammate because of his ability to win games.

Even when Charalampos Kostoulas has had to settle for a supporting role, that has been the case. He gained special recognition from coach José Luis Mendilibar for scoring the game-winning goal in the 96th minute and the other goal from the bench to give Olympiacos a 2-1 victory over Aris Saloniki at home.

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