Historical Crests Iraklis FC

Name: ​ Iraklis FC

Nickname(s): ​Oi Kyanolefkoi (The Blue and Whites)

Founded: 1908

Stadium: Kaftanzoglio Stadium

Capacity: 27,770

Iraklis FC Crest History

The earliest recognised crest of Iraklis FC, used from 1909 to 1997, reflected the club's emphasis on simplicity and strength. The badge consisted of a large blue capital "Η" (the Greek letter Eta, representing Heraklis) enclosed within a blue circular border. The clean design symbolised the club's name, inspired by the mythological hero Heracles (Heraklis), and remained virtually unchanged for almost ninety years, becoming one of the most recognisable emblems in Greek football.

In 1997, Iraklis introduced a more traditional shield-shaped crest. The familiar blue-and-white vertical stripes were incorporated into the shield, while the club's name "ΗΡΑΚΛΗΣ" (Heraklis) appeared across the top. The redesign combined the historic "Η" motif with the club's traditional striped identity, creating a more conventional football badge while maintaining its strong visual heritage.

A completely new identity was unveiled in 2005. The badge returned to a circular format, featuring a detailed image of Heracles, the legendary Greek hero after whom the club is named. The figure stood at the centre of the emblem, surrounded by the club's name, ΠΑΕ ΗΡΑΚΛΗΣ (PAE Iraklis), and the founding year 1908. This redesign strengthened the connection between the club and its mythological namesake while celebrating its long history.

During the club's financial restructuring in 2018, a simplified shield was introduced. The crest depicted Heracles standing beside his club, rendered in white against a blue background, with the club name above and the founding year below. The modern design emphasised the heroic figure while providing a cleaner visual identity during a difficult period in the club's history.

In 2021, Iraklis returned to its most iconic symbol by reviving the classic blue "Η" inside a circular border. The minimalist badge paid tribute to the club's earliest identity and reflected the supporters' desire to reconnect with Iraklis' historic roots.

Since 2024, the club has used a refined version of the classic emblem. The circular badge retains the large white "Η", but now includes the Greek name "ΗΡΑΚΛΗΣ" across the top and the initials Π.Ο.Τ. beneath, referring to the club's current legal entity. The deep blue colour scheme and timeless design reinforce Iraklis' tradition while acknowledging its modern organisational structure. 

Iraklis FC Club History

Founded in 1908, Iraklis Football Club is one of the oldest and most historic football clubs in Greece. The club was established in Thessaloniki by members of the Macedonikos Gymnastikos Syllogos, who adopted the name Iraklis (Heracles) in honour of the legendary Greek hero, symbolising strength, courage, and perseverance. From its earliest years, Iraklis became one of the leading sporting institutions in northern Greece and played an important role in the development of football in the country.

Iraklis was a founding member of the Alpha Ethniki (the Greek national league) in 1959 and spent most of its history in the top division. Although the club has never won the Greek league championship, it has consistently been regarded as one of Greece's traditional major clubs. Its greatest domestic achievement came in 1976, when Iraklis won the Greek Cup, defeating Olympiacos 6–5 on penalties after a 4–4 draw in one of the most dramatic finals in the competition's history.

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Iraklis regularly competed near the top of the Greek league and qualified for European competitions on several occasions. The club earned memorable victories against respected European opponents and developed a reputation for producing technically gifted players. Legends such as Vasilis Hatzipanagis, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers never to play in a FIFA World Cup, became synonymous with the club. Other notable players to wear the blue and white shirt include Sakis Anastasiadis, Giannis Kyrastas, Kostas Kiassos, and Sotiris Nikolaidis.

Despite its rich history, the 21st century brought significant financial and administrative difficulties. Iraklis suffered several forced relegations due to licensing and financial issues rather than sporting performance, leading to multiple restructurings of the club. The most severe crisis came in 2017, when financial problems resulted in the dissolution of the professional football company. Nevertheless, the club's loyal supporters ensured that Iraklis survived, rebuilding through the lower divisions while preserving its historic identity.

In recent years, Iraklis has continued its efforts to return to the highest level of Greek football. Playing at the historic Kaftanzoglio Stadium, one of Greece's largest and most iconic venues, the club remains an important part of Thessaloniki's sporting culture. Although it currently competes outside the Super League, Iraklis continues to draw passionate support and retains its reputation as one of the country's most respected football institutions.

Today, Iraklis FC stands as a symbol of resilience and tradition. More than a century after its foundation, the club continues to represent the values of determination and perseverance associated with its mythological namesake while pursuing its ambition of returning to the top tier of Greek football.

Iraklis' principal rivalry is with PAOK in the Thessaloniki Derby, one of the oldest and most passionate rivalries in Greek football. Matches against Aris Thessaloniki also carry great significance.

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