Konstantinos Karetsas: Who is Borussia Dortmund's new Greek hero in the making?
In Konstantinos Karetsas, Borussia Dortmund have secured the services of one of Europe’s most coveted talents. Get to know more about Greece’s rising star below…
Stats correct as of 3 August 2026
Konstantinos Karetsas
Age: 18 (Born 19 November 2007)
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country: Greece (10 caps, three goals)
Key stats
Belgium-born Greece international Karetsas made his professional debut at Genk after returning to his hometown club following a two-and-a-half-year spell at Anderlecht’s renowned youth academy.
Following 20 appearances for Genk's youth team in the Belgian second tier in 2023/24, in which he became the youngest scorer in Belgian professional football at 15, he was promoted to the first-team squad, aged 16.
Some 68 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League saw Karetsas develop his creative mastery, with the youngster providing as many as 11 assists in 2025/26. He registered seven goal involvements (two goals and five assists) in Genk's UEFA Europa League campaign.
His rapid rise soon put him on the radar of the Greece national team, prompting him to switch allegiance from Belgium. He made his full international debut against Scotland in a UEFA Nations League play-off in March 2025 and even scored in the second leg. Since then, he has netted three goals in his first 10 appearances, offering an early glimpse of what promises to be a memorable international career.
Plays a bit like: Jamal Musiala
The grace with which Karetsas glides past defenders, determination to head towards the area, and eye for a sumptuous pass behind the defence are all reminiscent of Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala. Dortmund will be hoping he can be similarly problematic for Bundesliga backlines and perhaps help them to close the gap on the champions in the coming campaign.
Did you know?
Karetsas has a former Bayern legend to thank for his breakthrough. Thorsten Fink, who was born in Dortmund but helped the Bavarians to their 2000/01 UEFA Champions League success, was the Genk coach who handed Karetsas his first-team debut.
What they’re saying
"Chatting to Steve Clarke afterwards, he agreed the young lad is pretty special and somebody that needs to be kept a really close eye on." - Former Scotland international Pat Nevin on Karetsas following his international debut
“With his creativity and game intelligence, Kos will enrich our team. He is technically very skilled and has the ability to find quick solutions in tight spaces, especially in the final third.” - Borussia Dortmund sporting director Ole Book
