Konstantinos Koulierakis: Who is Wolfsburg's emerging centre-back?
The 21-year-old Greece international has been a fixture in Ralph Hasenhüttl's team since moving last summer from PAOK. bundesliga.com brings you everything you need to know about the defensive talent.
Stats correct as of 20 March, 2025
Age: 21 (born 28 November 2003)
Club: Wolfsburg
Position: Centre back
Country: Greece (11 apps)
Key stats
Born in Chania in Greece, Konstantinos Koulierakis joined the PAOK academy as a 13-year-old in 2017 and it wouldn't be long before top European clubs were sending scouts to watch this impressive young centre-back dominating in PAOK's academy.
After spending a year with the B team, Koulierakis was given an opportunity with the first team and he never looked back, making 31 appearances in the 2022/23 season, even making the league's official team of the season at the end of the campaign.
He would follow that up with yet another impressive campaign in 2023/24, helping PAOK to the league title and scoring key goals in their run to the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals as well. In the summer of 2024, Wolfsburg would come knocking and after helping PAOK secure qualification for the Europa League, he secured a move to the Volkswagen Arena.
Across 73 appearances for PAOK, Koulierakis scored nine times and assisted four times, underlining his importance not just as a defender but also an impact-maker in the opposition box.
Plays a bit like: Joško Gvardiol
Standing at 6"1', Koulierakis is nearly the same height as ex RB Leipzig defender Joško Gvardiol who would go on to become one of the best young defenders in world football during his time in the Bundesliga. Like Gvardiol, Koulierakis is imposing in physical duels and is exceptionally aggressive when it comes to his defensive duties. Alongside Denis Vavro, he has formed a hugely impressive partnership at the back for Wolfsburg. The young Greek has impressive recovery pace and is a reliable passer of the ball too. Averaging a pass completion rate of 85.47 per cent, his tally is second best amongst his Wolves' peers. Similarly, for tackle success rate, he is second best in the side with 58.88 per cent.
It's no wonder why he has already been nominated for Bundesliga Rookie of the Month thrice in his debut season. With 24 appearances and two assists already in that time, Koulierakis continues to impress.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Did you know?
Koulierakis's playing style has earned him the nickname of The Hammer, though he is also referred to as 'Kouli' by his team-mates.
What they're saying
"Konstantinos has already impressively demonstrated his qualities in Greece; despite his young age. We are convinced that he will quickly adapt to the Bundesliga and take the next steps in his development here," - Wolfsburg Managing Director Peter Christiansen on Koulierakis's signing from PAOK.
Related news
Matchday 31 probable line-ups
Having been ill during the week, will Thomas Müller be back in time to make his 500th Bundesliga appearance in Bayern's game against Mainz?
Bundesliga crowning moments
With Bayern Munich on the verge of regaining the Meisterschale, take a trip down memory lane to find out how teams have clinched the title in the past.
Fantasy tips for Matchday 31
Not sure which players should be in your Fantasy team? bundesliga.com's got you covered...