When Genk first began integrating a young Greek attacking midfielder into the daily routine of its senior squad, the initial scouting reports spoke of a talent unlike any Europe had seen in years.

The news spread quickly, and all that remained was for him to make his official debut. Konstantinos Karetsas had not even turned 17, yet Europe‘s elite scouts were lining up, hoping to catch even a few minutes of him on the pitch.

Genk has long been regarded as a model Belgian club when it comes to developing young players. Methodical. Patient. Strategic. A player earns his chance when he is ready, regardless of age. Towards the end of the 2023-24 season, Karetsas made his first senior appearances. Two more seasons followed—and with them, remarkable progress.

Karetsas went on to make 92 appearances for Genk’s first team, scoring six goals and providing 23 assists. During the 2025-26 campaign, he produced an outstanding return of 18 assists in 49 matches, along with three goals. Added to that were ten appearances for the Greece national team, in which he scored three goals, transforming “Kos” into one of the young players everyone in Europe wanted to watch.

A Family Rooted in Belgium’s Coal Mines

Konstantinos Karetsas was born in Belgium. His father was also born there. The family’s connection with the country dates back to 1970, when his great-grandfather emigrated from Greece. He worked in Belgium’s coal mines, as did his son. The family, originally from Serres in northern Greece, had found a new home.

Young Konstantinos was born in Genk. He represented Belgium at every youth international level, earning 20 caps across four different age groups. He even made two appearances for the Under-21 side. Everything seemed set for the Belgian Football Association to secure him for the senior national team. For a period, the Belgians were convinced they had won that battle.

What they underestimated were two decisive factors: the family’s deep attachment to Greece and Konstantinos Karetsas’ own determination to play for the national team coached by Ivan Jovanović. Equally important were the sustained efforts made by officials from the Hellenic Football Federation, who repeatedly travelled to Belgium in pursuit of the gifted midfielder.

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A Lifelong Love for PAOK

To the surprise of many in Belgium, Karetsas chose to represent Greece. On March 20, 2025, he played the entire second half against Scotland in the UEFA Nations League play-offs.

His story had already begun to write itself.

The Karetsas family is not only devoted to Greece; it is passionately devoted to PAOK. His father has spoken publicly about attending the club’s European matches from the stands.

Konstantinos himself has repeatedly declared, “I am PAOK.” As a youngster, whenever he had the chance, he would pose for photographs with his footballing idols, including Diego Biseswar.

A Rare, Natural Talent

What happened with Karetsas before his move to Borussia Dortmund was something European football’s transfer market had not witnessed for several years. The continent’s biggest clubs all had the 19-year-old Greek virtuoso—who turns 20 on November 19—on their radar. His extraordinary ability on the ball, his fearless footballing mentality, and his versatility to operate out wide despite being a natural central midfielder all made him stand out.

No elite scout could overlook such qualities. Reports landed on the desks of every major club. At one point or another, they all sent representatives to Genk to watch Karetsas in person. Even in 2026, in an era when technology makes virtually everything instantly accessible, football’s biggest clubs still place their greatest trust in seeing a player with their own eyes.

Karetsas alone is reason enough to go to the stadium.

At Borussia Dortmund, preparations are underway to implement a long-term development plan for the young Greek. The focus will be on improving every aspect of his game—both technically and tactically—as he joins a team that consistently competes at the highest level of European football.

Karetsas appears ready to absorb everything required of him—not to change his style of play, but to adapt to a different footballing environment. Yet every opportunity will still allow him to showcase flashes of the natural brilliance that defines his game. Just as the players he has admired since childhood have always done: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Giannis Konstantelias.

Despite his humble character, Karetsas will undoubtedly hope that one day he, too, becomes a source of inspiration for the next generation of children who dream of playing football.