We, as human beings, have a natural tendency to reassure ourselves with one simple phrase: “Everything happens for a reason”. Sometimes, things truly do happen for a purpose. Other times, they simply happen, and we search for an explanation as to why, just so we can feel a little better about the situation.
One story that feels like destiny is the relationship between Evan Fournier and Olympiacos. On May 21, 2022, he posted the now-famous “Un sacré club” and two years later, on September 4, 2024, he found himself at the beginning of a story that would change his future. Two years ag, Fournier arrived at Athens International Airport as Olympiacos’ newest signing, with no idea of what was about to follow.
There are transfers that create excitement. There are transfers that shift the balance of power. And then, there are moments that go beyond the boundaries of a simple signing and become part of history.
Si un jour je devais retourner en Europe et que j’avais le choix daller ou je veux, je pense que j’irais a l’Olympiacos. Cest quand meme un sacré club #F4GLORY
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) May 21, 2022
The night it all began…
Two years ago, time seemed to stand still at Athens International Airport when Evan Fournier arrived in Greece, unaware that two years later he would have already written a new chapter in the modern history of Olympiacos.
After spending more than a decade in the NBA, Fournier decided to leave the other side of the Atlantic behind and write the next chapter of his career in Piraeus. Clearly hungry for what was ahead, he knew exactly where he wanted to be: Olympiacos. And so, the French star had finally found his Ithaca.
Thousands of Olympiacos fans waited until late at night at Athens International Airport. Thousands of supporters turned the arrivals hall into a basketball arena, giving Fournier one of the most unforgettable moments of his career.
Evan could hardly believe his eyes. He had only just set foot in a new country, yet the fans already adored him, before he had even had the chance to prove himself wearing the club’s jersey.
No one knew back then that this would grow into a love story capable of lasting a lifetime. Today, Evan has become one of the most important figures in Olympiacos’ history – and that is something that will remain forever.
What a welcome!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥@EvanFourmizz #OlympiacosBC #WeAreOlympiacos #TogetherWeFight pic.twitter.com/Le796gTHMe
— Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) September 4, 2024
The beginning of a unique story
From the incredible reception at the airport to winning the EuroLeague, that September 4 was destined to become the beginning of a very different kind of story.
Because, in the end, September 4 was not simply the day Evan Fournier arrived in Greece. It was the beginning of a story whose ending no one could have known at the time, yet thousands of people were already there to witness its very first page.
Two years later, the images from that night remain just as vivid. Because some moments do not fade with time. They become memories. They become history. They become part of a club forever.
And perhaps that is the most beautiful part of every story. You never know what the future has in store for you. You only know that you want to be there when it arrives.
