Sunderland defender Nectarios Triantis has pledged his international future to Greece, the birthplace of his parents, despite having represented Australia at youth and Olympic level.
The news was confirmed by senior A-Leagues sports reporter James Dodd.
“Nectarios Triantis has officially how switched his nationality to Greece,” he wrote on X.
“Now eligible to play for the Greek national team.”
The 22-year-old, born and raised in Sydney, confirmed his decision just days before the newly promoted Black Cats open their English Premier League campaign on Saturday.
His Greek citizenship was officially approved on Tuesday.
Triantis follows in the footsteps of 17-year-old Genk prodigy Konstantinos Karetsas, who recently committed to Greece over Belgium.
One of ten children raised by his mother, Popi, after his father died in a fire, Triantis has deep footballing roots.
Brothers Chris and Peter both played professionally in Australia, while five siblings have worn the Sydney Olympic jersey — a club that rallied to support the family after their loss.
Triantis joined Sunderland in 2023 on a four-year deal but made only limited Championship appearances before a loan spell with Scottish club Hibernian last season.
Prior to that he played for the Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Marines in the NPL and A-League.
He has been called up to the Socceroos for senior World Cup qualifiers but has yet to earn a cap, leaving him eligible for Greece.
