From Sydney to Athens: Nektarios Triantis Chooses Greece Over Australia

Nektarios Triantis has committed his international future to Greece, making himself available to national coach Ivan Jovanovic.

The 22-year-old Sunderland player, who spent the last two seasons on loan in Scotland with Hibernian, will represent Greece instead of Australia, his country of birth.

Triantis, born in Sydney to Greek expatriate parents, grew up in a bustling household of ten children—seven boys and three girls—and developed his football passion from an early age. Despite playing for Australia’s U20 and U23 teams, he had long expressed his dream of wearing the Greek emblem. Now, with the decision finalised and his Greek passport process underway, he is expected to be eligible for call-up in the near future.

📰 Sunderland midfielder Nectarios Triantis has officially switched his nationality to Greece & is now eligible to play for the national team 🇬🇷✅️#Greece #Ethniki #NectariosTriantis

(@JamesDodd89) pic.twitter.com/eOeDfVRMtu

— Hellas Football (@HellasFooty) August 13, 2025

Standing 1.91m tall, Triantis is a versatile defensive player, capable of operating both as a central defender and a holding midfielder. His height, combined with strong technical skills, caught the attention of Sunderland, who signed him in 2023.

During his two-year loan spell at Hibernian, Triantis made 62 appearances, scored four goals, and registered six assists. Last season, he was shortlisted for Player of the Year in Scotland and earned a place in the league’s best eleven, helping Hibernian secure a third-place finish.

Currently valued at €1 million according to Transfermarkt, Triantis has returned to Sunderland as the club prepares for its Premier League campaign. While his future role in the squad remains under discussion, reports in the UK suggest that Championship sides, including West Brom, are closely monitoring him.

For Triantis, the choice to play for Greece is more than a career move—it’s a connection to his roots, a tribute to his heritage, and a step into one of football’s most prestigious stages.