Antonis Parayios

Antonis Parayios (Greek: Αντώνης Παραγυιός; 15 August 1929 – 28 November 2023) was a Greek professional footballer who played as a defender.

Parayios started his football career in 1943 at Posidon Glyfada. In 1948, at the age of 19 he was signed by AEK Athens. In his first season he won the Greek Cup, playing in the final 2–1 win at the extra time against Panathinaikos at Leoforos Alexandras Stadium. On 28 May 1950, he won his second cup in a row against Aris in a 4–0 win at the same stadium. He won third the cup of his career on 24 June 1956 in a 2–1 victory over Olympiacos. He reached 125 appearances in official matches with the double-headed eagle on his chest: 90 in the Athens Championship, 8 in the Panhellenic Championship and 27 in the Cup. With AEK he won three Cups and an Athens FCA League in 1950. A serious knee injury forced him to end his career in 1957, at the age of only 28.

Parayios became an international with Greece, making two appearances in 1950 and 1951. He made his debut on 13 December 1950 in a 1–0 defeat against France B at Leoforos Alexandras Stadium. His last international appearance was on 14 October 1951 in the friendly match against the same opponent at the Stade Vélodrome, where Greece lost again with the same score.

Parayios was married to Kyriaki, whose origin is from Asia Minor. He was one of the 23 veteran football players of AEK who were honored at the opening of the Agia Sophia Stadium. He died on the morning of 28 November 2023, at the age of 94. Prior to his death he was the oldest living veteran footballer of AEK Athens.

AEK Athens

• Greek Cup: 1948–49, 1949–50, 1955–56
• Athens FCA League: 1950