Greek ex-defender Marios Oikonomou dies at 33 after crash

Former Greece international footballer Marios Oikonomou has died at the age of 33, succumbing to injuries sustained in a traffic accident nine days earlier. The defender passed away on Monday after being involved in a collision while riding a motorbike in his hometown of Ioannina, northwestern Greece, on May 23.

The accident occurred when a car, reportedly attempting an illegal U-turn, struck Oikonomou’s vehicle. He sustained severe, irreversible brain injuries in the crash. Emergency responders transported him to Hatzikosta Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, including a decompressive craniectomy, a procedure to relieve pressure on the brain. Despite medical efforts, he did not recover and died after nine days of treatment. Greek authorities have stated an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Oikonomou enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe, primarily in Italy’s Serie A. He began his professional journey with PAS Giannina in Ioannina before moving to Cagliari in 2013. His subsequent transfer to Bologna proved pivotal, as he became a regular starter and helped the club earn promotion to Serie A, a period during which he also earned his six caps for the...