Two Greek Champions, One Dream: Galatsicos and Cebollitas ready for their first TUI Socca Champions League

Greek Socca is making its mark on the European stage once again, this time with two debutant champions representing the country in the 2025 Socca Champions League.
From the heart of Athens to the island of Chios, both Galatsicos and Cebollitas are preparing to write their own chapters in the growing story of Greek small-sided football.

 Galatsicos: From Athens to the European Stage

After a thrilling campaign that saw them crowned champions of the Greek University Socca League, OPAP Unileague, Galatsicos are gearing up for their first-ever international appearance. For the team from Athens, this debut represents both a reward and a new challenge.

“We see it purely as motivation,” they said. “Being in the TUI Socca Champions League for the first time after winning the national title fills us with energy and ambition. We know we represent not just our team, but Greek Socca as a whole. The pressure exists, but we turn it into focus and determination and we’re here to enjoy the moment.”

With their eyes on making a strong first impression, Galatsicos are aiming to show that Greek teams belong among Europe’s best.

“Our goal is to be competitive, to make it out of the group stage, and to prove that Greek teams can stand tall on the European and world stage,” they explained. “If we manage to perform well, respect the game, and give our best, that will be a success in itself.”

Respect for the competition and the learning experience remain central to their approach:

“We respect every opponent. Many teams have experience and tradition in the tournament, and we can’t wait to test ourselves against them. It’s an opportunity to grow.”

And when it comes to the fans, the message is clear and heartfelt:

“We want to thank all Greek fans for their support. We’ll do everything we can to honor Greek small-sided football and show that a team from a neighborhood in Athens, Galatsi, can compete internationally. We play for our friends, our city, and our country.”

Cebollitas: Making History from the Island of Chios

While the Galatsicos represent the capital, Cebollitas bring a wave of island pride to the international arena. The newly crowned Socca League Greece champions made history as the first-ever team from a Greek island to win the Greek national title and now, they’re the first to represent Chios at the 2025 TUI Socca Champions League.

“We are extremely proud to have made our island’s name heard across Greece,” the team shared. “Chios embraced us, and we want to give something back. Being the only national champions coming from an island gives us extra motivation to live up to expectations at the TUI Socca Champions League, representing our country on the highest small-sided football stage.”

Their success goes beyond the pitch and it has become a community movement on Chios:

“The people of Chios truly embraced our team and played a major role in this achievement,” they said. “We hope this accomplishment inspires more local players to get involved with Socca. Together with Chios FC, we aim to make our island known worldwide, not only for its mastiha, but also for its passion for small-sided football!”

Cebollitas are entering the competition with respect, excitement, and hunger for experience:

“We can’t wait to compete at the highest level and test ourselves against strong teams, it’s an incredible opportunity for us.”

And their message to the fans captures the spirit of unity that defines Greek socca:

“We’ll do everything possible to live up to expectations and have a strong campaign. It would be a dream come true for Greece to see any Greek team go all the way and lift the trophy.”

Greek Socca on the Rise

With Galatsicos and Cebollitas both stepping onto the European stage for the first time, Greek socca continues to grow in quality, ambition, and visibility.
From Galatsi to Chios, two very different stories are united by the same dream: to represent Greece with pride, passion, and respect — and to show that Greek small-sided football belongs among the elite.

Join in on all the action! Download the official Socca app and follow the International Socca Federation on social media and YouTube to enjoy every match of the TUI Socca Champions League 2025, streamed live all day, for all teams, all around the world.