A German-born left-back of Greek ancestry, José Holebas is a relative latecomer not only to international football, his debut for Greece coming at the age of 27, but also to the professional ranks. He spent three seasons in the German second division with TSV 1860 München before joining Olympiacos FC and winning the Greek title at the first attempt.

• Born in the German town of Aschaffenburg to a Greek father and Uruguayan mother, he joined 1860 München at 18 and spent four years in their amateur side before joining the professionals.

• Accumulated three years of experience in the German second tier with 1860 München, finishing 11th, 12th and eighth, the latter season under coach Ewald Lienen, who took him to Olympiacos when he was appointed by the Piraeus club in summer 2010.

• Survived Lienen's early sacking after Olympiacos's shock European exit in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round to become an important contributor to the club's runaway Greek Super League triumph, making 24 appearances and scoring one goal – in a 6-0 defeat of AEK Athens FC that sealed the title.

• Made a further step up in class in 2011/12 when he participated in the UEFA Champions League, scoring his first goal in the competition on his third appearance − a 3-1 home success against Borussia Dortmund − and starting all six group games.

• Obtained Greek citizenship on 3 November 2011 and made his international debut eight days later in a 1-1 draw with Russia.