Panajot Pano

2.1. Birth and family

Panajot Pano was born on 7 March 1939 in Durrës, Albania. He was born to ethnic Greek parents, Thoma and Vasilika Pano, who hailed from Lefterhor, a village in the Delvinë region of Albania. His full Greek name is Panayiotis Thomas Panou.

2.2. Childhood and early passion for football

Pano developed a strong passion for football at a very young age, around 4 or 5 years old. However, his parents initially disapproved of his involvement in the sport, preferring that he concentrate on his studies and schoolwork. Despite their wishes, Pano continued to pursue his interest in football, which would eventually lead to a distinguished professional career.

3.1. Early career at 17 Nëntori Tirana

Pano began his football journey in 1954, joining the youth academy of 17 Nëntori Tirana. He initially played as a goalkeeper for the club's youth team. During this period, he was coached by former national team manager Adem Karapici and later by Xhavit Shyqyri Demneri until he reached the age of 16. Demneri handed Pano his under-19s debut with Tirana on 18 July 1956, in a youth national championship match against Korabi Peshkopi. Pano scored his first goal for the youth side on 5 August of the same year, in a game against Kukësi.

3.2. Transition to striker and early senior career at 17 Nëntori Tirana

In 1958, at the age of 18, Pano made his professional debut for the senior side of 17 Nëntori Tirana under manager Myslym Alla. He entered as a substitute in a Republic Cup game against Besa Kavajë, which ended in a goalless draw. He scored his first senior goal in the return leg of the same competition, though the team ultimately lost 2-1 and was eliminated. At this time, Pano was still primarily a member of the under-19 team and had to wait until the following season to establish himself as a regular first-team player.

His league debut occurred on 4 May 1958, in the Tirana derby match against Dinamo Tirana. In this game, Pano contributed to a decisive 4-0 victory by scoring a goal. It was during a league match against Partizani Tirana, with 17 Nëntori losing 4-0, that coach Demneri made the pivotal decision to switch Pano's position from goalkeeper to striker. This strategic change proved to be a turning point in his career. Pano played his final game for Tirana on 9 December 1959, against Besa Kavajë, a match that ended in a 4-2 win for his side.

3.3. Partizani Tirana

Panajot Pano's most successful and defining period as a footballer came with Partizani Tirana. On 12 December 1958, Pano was called for military service, which led to his signing with Partizani Tirana. He played his first match for his new club under coach Rexhep Spahiu on 14 February 1960, against Dinamo Tirana, where he also scored his inaugural goal for Partizani in a 3-0 victory. In his first season, he scored 7 goals, helping the team secure a runner-up finish in the championship, which was won by Dinamo Tirana.

The 1961 season marked a significant milestone for Pano, as he finished as the league's top scorer with 14 goals, and Partizani Tirana won the championship. For his outstanding performances, Pano was awarded the Albanian Sportsperson of the Year. Two years later, in 1963, he was part of the Partizani team that participated in the Spartakiad tournament, an official championship for army clubs from communist countries. Pano netted four goals during the tournament, including a memorable hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Vorwärts B. Partizani advanced to the final but was ultimately defeated by XI CSKA/SKA.

In 1970, Pano played a crucial role in Partizani's success in the Balkans Cup. He scored 2 goals as Partizani became the first and only Albanian club to win an international competition. They defeated Beroe Stara Zagora in the final, following a 1-1 draw in Tirana and a subsequent 3-0 awarded win for the second leg after Beroe withdrew from the competition. Panajot Pano announced his retirement from professional football in May 1975, concluding a remarkable career primarily with Partizani Tirana.

3.4. Later career at KF Tirana

Although primarily associated with Partizani Tirana, Panajot Pano made a brief return to KF Tirana for a single match appearance during his career. On 17 September 1969, he participated in the first leg of the 1969-70 European Cup's first round against Standard Liège. Pano started the match but was substituted by Niko Xhaçka after 65 minutes. Tirana lost the game 3-0. He did not play in the second leg, which saw Tirana exit the competition with a 4-1 aggregate loss.

8.1. Club career statistics

Pano's goal-scoring record in Albanian championships is detailed below. He played 28 matches for KF Tirana and 210 matches for Partizani Tirana.

8.2. International career statistics

Panajot Pano earned 28 caps and scored 4 goals for the Albania national football team between 1963 and 1973.

9.1. Club honours

Pano achieved significant success with Partizani Tirana, securing multiple domestic titles and an international trophy.

;Partizani Tirana

• Albanian Superliga: 1961, 1962-63, 1963-64, 1970-71
• Albanian Cup: 1961, 1963-64, 1965-66, 1967-68, 1969-70, 1972-73
• Balkans Cup: 1970

9.2. Individual honours

Pano's individual accolades recognized his exceptional talent and performance on the field.

• Albanian Superliga top goalscorer: 1961, 1969-70
• Albanian Sportsperson of the Year: 1960
• UEFA Jubilee Award (Golden Player of Albania): 2003
• Honor of Nation Order: 2009