Full Name: Odysseas Vlachodimos (Greek: Οδυσσέας Βλαχοδήμος)
Date of Birth: April 26, 1994
Place of Birth: Stuttgart, Germany
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Newcastle United (Premier League)

Early Life and Career

Odysseas Vlachodimos was born in Stuttgart, Germany, to Greek parents. His football journey began at VfL Wangen, a local club, before he joined the youth academy of VfB Stuttgart at just seven years old. Demonstrating exceptional talent, he progressed through Stuttgart’s youth ranks, eventually debuting for the club’s second team in 2012 at the age of 17. In 2015, he made his Bundesliga debut as a substitute for the first team in a match against Eintracht Frankfurt, following an injury to the first-choice goalkeeper.

Despite his promising start, he fell out of favor with Stuttgart’s new coach Jürgen Kramny and was loaned out to Greek side Panathinaikos in January 2016, where his career truly took off.

Club Career Highlights

Panathinaikos: Vlachodimos’ move to Panathinaikos marked the beginning of his rise to prominence. After joining the club in 2016, he became the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Known for his shot-stopping ability and composure in key moments, he earned widespread recognition, particularly for his performance in a vital 1–0 win over PAOK, where he kept a clean sheet. His displays helped him establish himself as one of the top goalkeepers in Greece, making him an attractive prospect for larger European clubs.

Nottingham Forest: In the summer of 2023, Vlachodimos made a high-profile move to the Premier League, signing with Nottingham Forest for a fee of €4.9 million, potentially rising to €9.3 million with add-ons. He made an immediate impact, helping the club to an important 2–0 victory over Aston Villa in his Premier League debut, keeping a clean sheet in the process. This performance solidified his reputation as a reliable goalkeeper on the international stage.

Newcastle United: In July 2024, Vlachodimos made another significant move, joining Newcastle United for a club-record £20 million. The transfer marked a new chapter in his career as he became Newcastle’s most expensive goalkeeper. He debuted for the Magpies in October 2024 during a Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon, replacing the injured Martin Dubravka in a 1-0 victory. The transfer was a testament to his skill and potential, as Newcastle invested heavily in securing a world-class goalkeeper to bolster their squad for future Premier League campaigns.

International Career

Vlachodimos represented Germany at various youth levels, from the U15s to the U21s, earning accolades such as the U17 Fritz Walter Medal in 2011. However, in 2018, after establishing himself as Panathinaikos’ first-choice goalkeeper, Vlachodimos decided to switch his international allegiance to Greece. His decision to play for the Greek national team was approved by FIFA, and he debuted for Greece in a 1–0 win over Finland in November 2018. Since then, he has been an essential part of the Greek national team setup, regularly appearing in UEFA Nations League and qualifying matches.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Odysseas Vlachodimos has an estimated net worth of around €10 million ($11 million USD). His wealth primarily stems from his football contracts, with his significant earnings coming from his time at Benfica, where he signed a lucrative deal in 2019, and from his recent moves to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. His Premier League contract with Newcastle is expected to significantly boost his financial portfolio. Additionally, endorsements and sponsorship deals from major brands, likely related to his status as a top-level goalkeeper, may also contribute to his wealth.

Cars and Lifestyle

While Vlachodimos is known to keep his personal life private, like many high-earning footballers, he likely enjoys a luxurious lifestyle. Although there is no public information on the specifics of his car collection, it is common for successful athletes to own high-end cars. Likely brands in his collection include Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz, which align with the profiles of many top footballers. Given his high-profile moves and increasing wealth, it is reasonable to assume that Vlachodimos enjoys a collection of luxury vehicles that reflect his status.

Additionally, as a Premier League player and international star, his lifestyle is marked by high-end living arrangements, travel, and leisure, all of which are consistent with the affluence that comes with being a top-tier footballer.

Personal Life

Vlachodimos comes from a football family. His older brother, Panagiotis Vlachodimos, is also a professional footballer. The Vlachodimos family hails from Kastania, Kozani, Greece, and the two brothers share a strong bond, both professionally and personally.

In his spare time, Odysseas enjoys spending time with family and friends, though he tends to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on his football career.

With his impressive performances both for club and country, along with his strong reputation in European football, Odysseas Vlachodimos is a well-respected figure in the world of football, continuing to build his legacy on and off the field.

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