Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki)

Iraklis F.C., also known as Iraklis VENETIS BAKERIES after its title sponsor, is a professional football club based in the city of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece. Created in 1908, it serves as the professional men's football department of the multi–sport club of G.S. Iraklis Thessalonikis. They play their home matches at Kaftanzoglio Stadium. As of 2021, the club competes in the second–tier level Super League 2.

G.S. Iraklis Thessalonikis was founded on 29 November 1908 and is one of the oldest and most historic sport clubs in Greece, hence the nickname "Gireos" (Greek: Γηραιός, lit. 'Elder'). In 1910, the name "Iraklís" (Greek: Ηρακλής, lit. 'Heracles', Greek pronunciation: [iɾa'klis]) was added to the club's name as an honour to the ancient Greek demigod Heracles (or Hercules as the Roman equivalent), hence the nickname "Imitheos" (Greek: Ημίθεος, lit. 'Demigod'). The club's colours are blue and white, inspired by the flag of Greece.

Iraklis Thessaloniki is a founding member of Macedonia Football Clubs Association and Hellenic Football Federation. Before the formation of the nationwide league of Alpha Ethniki, Iraklis Thessaloniki competed in the league that was run by the Macedonia Football Clubs Association, winning it on 5 occasions. The club has also played in 5 Greek Cup finals, lifting the trophy once in 1976, which is the club's only domestic trophy. They have also a European trophy, as they won the Balkans Cup in 1985.