Former Greece international footballer Marios Oikonomou has died at the age of 33, nine days after a serious motorbike accident in Ioannina, northwestern Greece. The ex-Sampdoria and Bologna defender sustained life-threatening head injuries in the collision on 23 May and underwent emergency surgery, but was unable to recover.
Oikonomou was involved in a crash with a vehicle driven by a 63-year-old motorist near the entrance to Hatzikosta Hospital. He was rushed to Ioannina University Hospital, where surgeons performed a decompressive craniectomy to relieve pressure on his brain. Despite intensive care, he passed away on 1 June.
Greek authorities have launched an investigation into the accident, which occurred on a road known for its poor safety record. Oikonomou's former club PAS Giannina paid tribute, calling him 'a child who earned the love and respect of all of us' and expressing condolences to his family.
Oikonomou earned six caps for Greece between 2016 and 2018 and played for several Italian clubs, including Cagliari, Bologna, SPAL, and Bari, as well as AEK Athens and Copenhagen. He retired in 2024 after a spell with Panetolikos. AEK Athens and Bologna had previously sent messages of support during his hospitalisation.
