Zeljko Obradovic signs three‑year deal to return as Panathinaikos head coach

Serbian coach Zeljko Obradovic signed a three‑year contract to resume his role as head coach of Greek club Panathinaikos. The signing ceremony was held at the Telekom Center in Istanbul, where thousands of fans gathered alongside club president Dimitris Giannakopoulos. Obradovic, 66, thanked the president and the supporters, saying, "Motivation is the key word in everyone's life… I have a passion to keep coaching and found it here again."

Obradovic previously led Panathinaikos from 1999 to 2012, winning five EuroLeague titles, eleven Greek League championships and seven Greek Cups. After leaving Serbian side Partizan in November 2025, he declined further offers until the new Panathinaikos appointment. The club hailed the day as historic, noting the fans' enthusiasm eclipsed even that of a EuroLeague victory.