The Striker with Number 9

The story of a talented yet self-destructive soccer player in Greece. Based on the novel of the same name by Menis Koumandareas, the film narrates the life and works of Vassilis Seretis, a young, unknown, poor, but talented and ambitious football player, who dreams of conquering the pitches. The hero is willing to give everything and suffer whatever it takes in order to conquer the football world. With his talent as his only weapon, he tries to define his destiny, on a route from Thessaloniki, to Volos and from there to Athens. With him, we taste the mud of the fields, the loneliness of the countryside, the "sold out" matches, but also the ephemeral glow of success. Pantelis Voulgaris signs a film that left an era, as, in addition to its original directorial perspective, it outlines the phenomenon of Greek football in a poetic and at the same time realistic way.

Directed by Pantelis Voulgaris, The Striker with Number 9 leans on a strong ensemble — Themis Bazaka, Stratos Tzortzoglou, Stamatis Tzelepis — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1988.