Former Greece international Marios Oikonomou has tragically passed away aged 33.The ex-defender died following injuries sustained in a motorbike crash last month.Former Greece defender Oikonomou has sadly passed away aged 33GettyOikonomou had been in an induced coma after being taken to hospital in Ioannina in north west Greece.After undergoing surgery and remaining under specialist supervision, he has passed away nine days after the accident.The crash had occurred on May 23, with Oikonomou suffering brain damage.Rest in peaceTributes have flooded in since the news of his passing broke on Monday.Oikonomou spent two years with Greek champions AEK Athens as a player between 2018 and 2020.The club shared an emotional statement from owner Marios Iliopoulos on social media.In a post on X, Iliopoulos said: “With a heavy heart and soul, we learned just a short while ago about the tragic event that Marios Oikonomou lost the battle for life.“Difficult moments in which words cannot convey for AEK, but even more so for his family, the extent of the loss he represents.“His journey in football and sports, and the ‘battles’ he fought, speak for themselves, as does the unique integrity displayed by this young athlete, who lost his life at 33 years old and on the very day of Pentecost Sunday.“We wish strength and spiritual fortitude to his family and loved ones. All AEK fans will remember him.”Tributes have flooded in for Oikonomou after he passed away following a motorbike crashGettyOikonomou scored four goals from centre-back in 64 appearances for AEK.The Greek national team also paid tribute to their former player in a separate social media statement.A post shared to X read: “The President of the HFF, Makis Gkagkatsis, the Executive Secretary Domna Tsioni, and the members of the Federation’s Executive Committee express their deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Marios Oikonomou, who passed away prematurely at the age of just 33.“The deceased distinguished himself throughout his football career not only for his presence on the playing fields, but also for his integrity, professionalism, and smile, qualities that earned him the admiration and respect of teammates, coaches, and fans.“Rest in peace, Mario.”Oikonomou’s careerOikonomou won six caps for Greece after making his international debut in 2016.Oikonomou won six caps for Greece during his playing careerAFPThe defender began his career with PAS Giannina before moving to Italian side Cagliari.He subsequently had spells with Bologna, SPAL, Bari and Sampdoria.After returning to Greece with AEK, Oikonomou moved to Danish giants Copenhagen in 2020.During two years with the club, he won a league title as well as making 20 first-team appearances.Having returned to Greece, Oikonomou retired from professional football in 2024 following a season with Panetolikos.