On the 12th of June 2025, Brighton and Hove Albion signed Babis Kostoulas from Olympiacos. Since that moment, the Greek striker has treated Albion fans to tricks, bicycle kicks, and a thoroughly deserved Player of the Month nomination.
Young Greek forward Babis Kostoulas is one of the two Brighton players in the conversation for Premier League player of the month. After losing veteran Danny Welbeck in the summer, many thought Kostoulas wouldn’t be able to fill the boots of the experienced striker – however, two goals and one assist in the month of September have led seagulls fans to think otherwise about the Greek international.
Following his move from Olympiacos last season, Kostoulas struggled to get a consistent run of games in the first team. He would feature only 27 times in all competitions - scoring only three goals. Babis has already surpassed his tally from last season in 19 games less, showing his development and why he thoroughly deserves this nomination. After a quiet performance against Leeds, Kostoulas kicked off his superb September away at Coventry. Playing in his usual false nine role, Kostoulas started the scoring for Albion in the 35th minute with a delightful, flicked header to get around the defender followed by a powerful right-footed strike past ex-Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. His strike would ultimately turn the game in the direction of The Seagulls, showing his class and desire to score after being kicked in the shin by Coventry defender Ethan Pinnock in the build-up to the goal.
Kostoulas scored again in the EFL cup against Manchester United, however his performance against reigning champions Arsenal is what undoubtably prompted his nomination. After forcing a few good saves from Spanish international David Raya, Kostoulas’ pinpoint pass to Pascal Gross ultimately got the ball rolling for Brighton, with the experienced German smashing the ball off the post and in to give Albion the lead and Babis his first contribution of the afternoon. A mere 14 minutes later, Kostoulas was involved yet again to double Brighton’s lead. After receiving a pass from Diego Gomez, Babis swiftly got the ball onto his favoured right foot before unleashing an absolute rocket into the bottom corner – sending the AMEX wild once again.
A run of three lethal performances in League and Cup has proved to many fans why he is keeping new loan signing Promise David away from starting his first game in Blue and White. Furthermore, if Kostoulas keeps up his electric form, there may be no room for returning striker Evan Ferguson and fellow countryman Stefanos Tzimas in the first team.
