Lina Souloukou Biography
Lina Souloukou is a prominent Greek football executive, businesswoman, and lawyer. She was born on October 11, 1983, in Larissa, Greece, into a family deeply involved in sports, as her father was a former football goalkeeper and coach. Lina pursued a legal education, earning degrees in Law from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and advanced degrees in International Sports Law from institutions like the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
Her career in sports administration began early, with roles such as Doping Venue Manager during the 2004 Athens Olympics. She later served as legal counsel for various sports federations in Greece. Lina’s career took a significant leap when she became the General Manager of Olympiacos FC from 2018 to 2022. In April 2023, she was appointed CEO and General Manager of AS Roma, one of Italy’s most famous football clubs.
Souloukou has also been a member of the European Club Association (ECA) board since 2019, contributing to football governance at the highest levels. Lina is married to Dimitris Stamatelatos, and they have a son named Michael.
Lina Souloukou Age
Lina Souloukou is 41 years old as of 2024.
Lina Souloukou Height
Lina Souloukou’s height is not publicly disclosed.
Lina Souloukou Nationality
Lina Souloukou is Greek by nationality. She was born and raised in Larissa, Greece.
Lina Souloukou Parents and Siblings
Lina Souloukou’s father is Sotiris Souloukos, a former football goalkeeper who later became a coach and is now a political candidate. He has been a significant influence on Lina’s career in sports, and they share a close bond. Lina also has a sister named Aspa Souloukou, with whom she co-founded a law firm in 2007. However, less information is available about her mother, who remains more private.
Lina Souloukou Educational Background
Lina Souloukou has an impressive educational background, primarily focused on law and sports management. She earned her Law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. She then pursued advanced studies in sports law, obtaining a Master’s in Management of Sports Organization with a specialization in Law from the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
In addition, Lina furthered her expertise by completing a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Sports Law at the ISDE (Higher Institute of Law and Economics), one of the premier institutions for sports law education.
Lina Souloukou Career
Lina Souloukou is a renowned sports executive and lawyer who has risen to prominence through her strategic roles in European football management. As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Souloukou has built a distinguished career with significant contributions to football clubs and sports organizations. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has held prominent positions in Greece and Italy, gaining widespread recognition for her leadership and legal expertise.
Early Career and Entry into Sports Management
Lina Souloukou’s early career was shaped by her exposure to sports through her father, who was a former football goalkeeper and coach. This background motivated her interest in sports management from a young age. She began her professional journey by taking on various roles in sports law and event management. Notably, she was involved in the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she worked as the Doping Venue Manager and Coordinator.
Legal Roles in Greek Sports Federations
Following her work in the 2004 Olympics, Lina Souloukou transitioned to roles within Greek sports federations. Between 2007 and 2018, she served as legal counsel for multiple sports organizations, including the Basketball Referees Federation of Greece, the Hellenic Football Coaches Federation, and the Hellenic Boxing Federation. Her work during this period cemented her reputation as an expert in sports law, particularly with her involvement in the Hellenic Football Federation’s Court of Arbitration for Football from 2008 to 2013.
Rising Prominence at Olympiacos FC
In 2016, Lina Souloukou’s career took a significant leap forward when she joined Olympiacos FC, one of Greece’s top football clubs. Initially appointed as the Director of the Legal Department and International Affairs, she was instrumental in ensuring the club’s compliance with international regulations and managing legal issues related to player transfers, contracts, and UEFA competitions. Her legal acumen and strong leadership skills led to her appointment as the General Manager of Olympiacos FC in May 2018, a role she held until June 2022.
International Recognition and ECA Membership
Lina Souloukou’s contributions to football extended beyond Greece when she joined the European Club Association (ECA), the representative body for European football clubs, in 2019. Her involvement with the ECA helped her establish strong connections with top football clubs across Europe, further solidifying her influence in the international football community. She also became a member of the ECA Educational Advisory Panel in February 2022, where she played a crucial role in developing educational programs for sports professionals.
CEO and General Manager of AS Roma
In April 2023, Lina Souloukou was appointed as the CEO and General Manager of AS Roma, one of Italy’s most historic football clubs. This appointment marked a major milestone in her career, making her one of the few women to lead a top-tier European football team. The owners of AS Roma, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, praised her experience and leadership, expressing confidence that she would guide the club to new heights. Souloukou expressed her excitement about joining AS Roma, emphasizing her commitment to bringing her international experience to the club.
Challenges and Resignation
Since her appointment at AS Roma, Lina Souloukou has faced several challenges, including managing the club’s financial and operational affairs and navigating complex issues within the team’s structure. One notable challenge involved her conflict with AS Roma’s former coach, De Rossi, which eventually led to his dismissal in 2024.
Lina Souloukou Husband and Children
Lina Souloukou is married to Dimitris Stamatelatos, though not much is publicly known about him as he prefers to maintain a private life. Together, they have a son named Michael, who was born in 2016.
Lina Souloukou Net Worth
Lina Souloukou’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million as of 2024. Her wealth has been accumulated through her long-standing career in sports law and football management, including her roles as General Manager at Olympiacos FC and CEO of AS Roma.
Lina Souloukou Social media presence
Lina Souloukou is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares updates related to her work in football and other professional engagements. Her Instagram handle is @linasouloukou, and she has gained a notable following of over 16,000 followers.
FAQs
Who is Lina Souloukou?
Lina Souloukou is a Greek football executive who became CEO and General Manager of AS Roma in 2023.
When was Lina Souloukou appointed CEO of AS Roma?
She was appointed in April 2023.
Where is Lina Souloukou from?
She is from Larissa, Greece.
Did Lina Souloukou face challenges at AS Roma?
Yes, she faced challenges, including the controversial dismissal of coach Daniele De Rossi, which led to her resignation in September 2024.
Who is Lina Souloukou’s husband?
She is married to Dimitris Stamatelatos.
Does Lina Souloukou have children?
Yes, she has a son named Michael, born in 2016.
