Pafos FC: Champions League Debutants with David Luiz in Their Ranks

Introduction

Cypriot football club Pafos FC is set to make its Champions League debut on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the relatively young club, which was formed just 11 years ago. The team has made impressive strides in recent years, including reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League and securing their first league title last season.

This season, Pafos FC has successfully navigated three qualifying rounds to reach the Champions League group stage, becoming one of only two clubs to do so for the first time, alongside Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty. Their successful qualification journey included notable victories over established teams like Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Dynamo Kyiv, and Red Star Belgrade.

A Historic Journey Begins

Pafos FC’s journey to the Champions League has been remarkable. They will begin their campaign with an away match against Olympiakos in Greece. Following that, the club will have the opportunity to host Bayern Munich and face Chelsea, among other fixtures. The excitement surrounding the team’s qualification is palpable, as former Brazil and Chelsea defender David Luiz, who joined Pafos in August, expressed his joy at the achievement, stating, “Everybody was in ecstasy… We did something amazing. Nobody expected us to be in the Champions League this season.”

A Brief History of Pafos FC

Pafos FC was established in 2014 through the merger of two local clubs, AEK Kouklia and AEP Paphos. These clubs themselves had roots that trace back to a merger in 2000, demonstrating the club’s long-standing connection to the region. Initially, Pafos FC struggled to find its footing, oscillating between divisions until a significant turning point occurred in 2017 when Russian businessman Roman Dubov took over the club.

Dubov’s vision was to create a competitive and sustainable football club that could also contribute to the local community. He noted, “Cyprus is a nation with such a love of football, and in Pafos, we believed that we had an opportunity to build something from the ground up.” However, the road to success was not without its challenges. Cypriot journalist Andreas Odysseos remarked on the transformative impact of Total Sport Investment, the ownership group led by Dubov, stating that they had completely revitalized the club, which previously struggled to remain in the top division.

The Road to Success

Pafos FC’s journey to success has been characterized by trial and error. As Odysseos pointed out, the club has undergone a series of managerial changes, with various British coaches taking the helm over the years. Notable names include Scotland’s Steven Pressley, Wales’ Cameron Toshack, and England’s Stephen Constantine, who all had brief stints in charge. Additionally, former Premier League players like Jason Puncheon and Michel Salgado have contributed to the team’s development.

A pivotal moment in the club’s history came with the appointment of Spanish coach Juan Carlos Carcedo in June 2023. Carcedo, who previously served as an assistant manager to Unai Emery at various clubs, led Pafos FC to their first major trophy, the 2023–24 Cypriot Cup, with a decisive victory over Omonia. Under his leadership, Pafos not only secured their maiden trophy but also finished the season as champions of Cyprus, paving the way for their Champions League qualification.

Celebrating a Major Achievement

The significance of Pafos FC’s qualification for the Champions League cannot be overstated. Andreas Odysseos highlighted the emotional response from fans and even the president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who is a devoted supporter of the club. He was present during the decisive match against Red Star Belgrade and celebrated the victory with exuberance, reflecting the importance of this achievement in Cypriot football.

Odysseos noted that this milestone is akin to winning the league in Cyprus, stating, “It’s a very big issue here.” The combination of a league title, a cup victory, and now participation in the Champions League represents a historic accomplishment for the club.

The David Luiz Factor

This summer, Pafos FC made headlines with the signing of David Luiz, a seasoned defender known for his time at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2012. At 38 years old, Luiz joined Pafos after a stint with Fortaleza in Brazil, and his presence is seen as both a sporting and public relations move for the club. Journalist Odysseos remarked that having a player of Luiz’s stature enhances Pafos’s image as a football destination, and the local community has welcomed him warmly.

Despite facing legal issues in Brazil related to allegations of threatening a woman, Luiz has remained focused on his role at Pafos. He has made two substitute appearances in the Cypriot top flight and expressed his excitement about facing Chelsea in the Champions League, saying, “I’m going to play against Chelsea with my heart totally full of energy.”

Looking Ahead

As Pafos FC embarks on their Champions League journey, the team is determined to demonstrate their capabilities on a larger stage. Luiz optimistically stated, “Nobody expected many things for us in the Champions League, but I think we can do something special.” The upcoming matches will not only test their skills but also provide an opportunity to showcase their growth as a football club.

Key Facts

– **Formation:** Pafos FC was established in 2014 through the merger of AEK Kouklia and AEP Paphos.
– **Champions League Debut:** The club will make its debut in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
– **Recent Achievements:** Pafos won their first Cypriot league title and the 2023–24 Cypriot Cup.
– **Manager:** Juan Carlos Carcedo has been instrumental in the club’s recent success.
– **Key Player:** David Luiz, a former Chelsea defender, joined Pafos in August 2023.
– **Qualification Journey:** Pafos FC qualified for the Champions League by defeating Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Dynamo Kyiv, and Red Star Belgrade.

Source: www.bbc.com