After eight years filled with memorable moments, titles, successes, accolades, experiences, and time at the top level, has joined Panathinaikos on a free transfer!

The Dutch defender is donning the green jersey to bolster the backline in the club’s new era under 38-year-old Jacob Nystrup on the sidelines.

The veteran center back was officially announced by Panathinaikos on a contract through 2027 and was presented wearing the green jersey and… his beloved piano!

Untouchable Elegance.#Panathinaikos #PAOFC pic.twitter.com/QoZw5QE342

— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) June 30, 2026

The official announcement:

“Panathinaikos F.C. announces the signing of Stefan de Vrij. The 34-year-old Dutch defender has signed a one-year contract and is joining the Shamrock to strengthen the defense, bringing experience, personality, and experience at the highest level of soccer.

Stefan de Vrij was born on February 5, 1992, in Onderkerk aan den IJssel, the Netherlands. He began playing soccer for his hometown club, VV Spirit, and at the age of ten joined the Feyenoord academy. After progressing through all the youth ranks, he signed his first professional contract in July 2009 and made his first-team debut on September 24 of that same year, at just 17 years old.

He played for Feyenoord for five seasons, appearing in a total of 154 matches and serving as team captain for a time. In the summer of 2014, he moved to Italy to play for Lazio. He remained in Rome for four years, playing a pivotal role and making 118 appearances for the Biancocelesti.

In July 2018, he joined Inter. With the Nerazzurri, he established himself at the highest level of Italian and European soccer, winning titles and making numerous appearances in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. After eight full seasons at the Giuseppe Meazza, with 296 appearances across all competitions, he departed having made a valuable contribution to the club’s three Italian league titles (2021, 2024, 2026), three Coppa Italia titles (2022, 2023, 2026), and three Super Cups (2021, 2022, 2023).

He also made an exceptionally positive impact in European competitions, where he played 55 times for Inter, reaching three European finals: twice in the Champions League (2023, 2025) and once in the Europa League (2020).

De Vrij has been a Dutch international since August 2012, having earned 79 caps for the men’s national team. He participated in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the Oranje finished in third place. He played in every match of the tournament and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team. He also took part in Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024, where he played a decisive role in the Netherlands’ run to the semifinals. In the quarterfinal against Turkey, he scored the equalizer and was named the most valuable player of the match.

He joins Panathinaikos with 647 appearances at the club and national levels to his credit, having scored 33 goals.

“We welcome Stefan to the Panathinaikos family.”