Former players from prestigious clubs like Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Rangers may seem like they’re ready for a round of golf rather than a competitive match in the Cypriot First Division. With Cyprus known for its breathtaking beaches, lively nightlife, and consistently warm weather, it’s no surprise that many professional footballers choose this idyllic island to enjoy their later years in the sport.
However, as we look at the current landscape of the top division in Cypriot football, it’s clear that some players on the pitch have credentials that suggest they could compete at a significantly higher level. Here are five athletes whose expertise and experience have raised eyebrows regarding their current league placement.
One of those players is Stevan Jovetic. Given the setbacks he faced with ongoing injuries throughout his career, it’s truly a ‘what could have been’ scenario for the Montenegrin striker. Jovetic has graced the fields of elite clubs like Inter Milan, Sevilla, and Manchester City, showcasing his talent in some of Europe’s top competitions. After becoming a free agent last summer, he made the choice to join Omonia on a two-year deal. As of now, at 35 years old, Jovetic has scored four goals and provided four assists in just nine appearances—a commendable feat that underscores his ability to still shine while enjoying the latter stages of his career.
Another standout player is Grzegorz Krychowiak. This midfielder, who has donned the jerseys of PSG and Sevilla, has crisscrossed European football with a staggering number of team transfers—this being his 12th club. After stints in Russia, Greece, and Saudi Arabia, he arrived at Anorthosis Famagusta, currently wrestling at the lower end of the league table. His history of frequently changing clubs makes it likely that his tenure in Cyprus will be yet another brief chapter.
Then we have Connor Goldson, who transitioned from Rangers to Aris Limassol last summer after an accomplished prime in Scotland. The 32-year-old defender has had a noticeable impact, contributing to a solid team defense that has allowed just nine goals in 16 matches this season. When Goldson joined Aris, he emphasized his ambition to win trophies, stating, “When I heard about this, I spoke with the owner, I spoke with the coach and I was really excited for the project. I was really excited to try and win championships and trophies—that’s what I came here to do.” His passion reflects a hunger to succeed, certainly adding a layer of intrigue to his new surroundings.
Max Meyer is another name worth mentioning. Once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young talents during his time with Schalke, Meyer showcased his playmaking abilities with subsequent spells at clubs like Crystal Palace and Fenerbahce. It’s interesting to note that despite being only 29 years old and now plying his trade in Cyprus, he still has plenty of football left in him. After a couple of productive seasons in Switzerland with Luzern, he seized the opportunity to join APOEL as a free agent earlier this summer.
Finally, we have Domingos Quina, the former West Ham and Watford talent. At just 25 years old, Quina’s journey has already taken him to ten different clubs—a reflection of the unpredictability in modern football careers. Watford had high hopes for him, but those aspirations never materialized as expected. After last season with Udinese, Quina looks to re-establish himself in Cyprus with Pafos, having transferred for £500,000. In 13 league appearances, he has found the net once, helping guide his team to the top of the Cypriot league.
Every one of these players has the credentials and history to compete at a higher level in more competitive leagues. Yet, here they are, gracing the pitches of Cyprus—whether it’s for the sun, the scenery, or perhaps as a chapter to savor while the love for the beautiful game lingers on. As fans, we can only hope to witness more of their illustrious skills on display for seasons to come.
