Andreas Koundourakis is a Belgian-born actor and model of Greek and Moroccan descent, currently based in Athens. Originally passionate about football, his early dreams of a professional sports career shifted toward acting and modeling after attending workshops and immersing himself in cinema and fashion. Koundourakis has appeared in several international TV series, including “Commandos” (2020), “Spitsbroers” (2015) and “Fair Trade” (2021) and has participated in commercials and brand campaigns across different countries. Known for his unique style and multicultural background, he continues to expand his creative pursuits in acting and fashion.
How did your viral TikTok videos “Habibi, Come to Dubai,” especially the ones encouraging men to spend money on their love interests, shape your career and public persona?
The “Habibi, Come to Dubai” series was definitely a game-changer for me. It was fun, relatable and allowed me to connect with many people. Encouraging men to show their affection in a “special” way struck a chord with my audience because it spoke to the lifestyle that Dubai represents — luxury, fun and a little bit of humor. It wasn’t just about the money; it was more about how we show appreciation for our partners, express ourselves and how humor can play into relationships. This persona built my following and got me noticed by brands, influencers, agencies and music producers, pushing me to the next level in terms of collaborations and exposure.
You started as a professional footballer before transitioning into social media. What motivated this shift and how did you adapt to these new industries?
Football was a big part of my life, but after a lot of injuries and struggles, I realized that I had other passions, especially in entertainment and content creation. I’ve always had an interest in the artistic world and connecting with people, so social media became the perfect platform for me to express myself in a different way. The transition wasn’t easy; football is still my biggest passion and not being able to build a pro career is still frustrating me sometimes. The football experience taught me discipline and that sometimes you just need to shift in life and go in another direction. It was about learning to be versatile and to grow by just experiencing it and by making mistakes and learn from them.
Growing up with a Moroccan mother and a Greek father in Belgium, how have your multicultural roots influenced your artistic expression and career choices?
My multicultural upbringing was such a blessing. I was exposed to a mix of different cultures, languages and traditions from a young age. Growing up with both Moroccan and Greek influences meant I was always encouraged to embrace diversity and blend ideas. In terms of my career, this is reflected in my music and content — I love mixing cultures and showcasing that fusion. It’s a part of who I am. The beauty of being able to speak multiple languages and having two distinct backgrounds is that I can connect with a wide audience, both in Europe and in the Middle East and even everywhere in the world.
What lessons or values did you learn from your parents that have guided you in your journey to success?
My parents taught me the importance of hard work, respect and staying grounded. My mother always emphasized humility and the value of family, while my father showed me the importance of discipline and persistence. Those values helped me stay focused and resilient, especially when things got tough. I’ve faced challenges along the way, but the lessons they instilled in me keep me motivated and remind me to always respect my roots while pushing forward to new heights.
Your TikTok content often highlights relationships and finances. What personal beliefs or philosophies drive the messages you share with your audience?
For me, relationships are built on mutual respect and trust and while I believe in being generous, I don’t think money should be the foundation of love. My content often highlights the idea of valuing your partner and showing love in creative and thoughtful ways — whether it’s through spending time together, offering support, or yes, even sharing a little luxury when it’s right. My message is about living authentically, being open about expectations and treating people with kindness. It’s about balance — having fun, enjoying life, but also staying true to your values.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your creative pursuits in music, acting and modeling?
I’ve been influenced by a lot of different people. In music, artists who mix different genres have always inspired me, like Drake or Maluma — they effortlessly combine cultures and sounds. In acting, I’ve looked up to people like Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Dwayne Johnson and Jean Claude Van Damme, who are incredible actors. Especially JCVD, who grew up in Belgium, a small country just like me. I learn a lot from people like that. It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you work hard, keep pushing and don’t give up, success will not be far away from you.
Can you tell us more about your passion for music and how it fits into your broader artistic journey?
Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I was always surrounded by music at home — from Moroccan beats to Greek melodies. My father plays the laouto and bouzouki, which are very famous in Greece, so I heard these sounds every day. The music industry was not a world I saw myself in because I just didn’t explore it at first. At some point, I decided to put my fear of failure away and to give it a try. It fits perfectly into my broader artistic journey because it allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level, beyond just the humor and visuals. It’s another way for me to be authentic and show different facets of my personality.
You’ve shared stories about persistently pursuing roles in movies. How has this determination shaped your career?
Persistence is key. I knew from the start that breaking into the entertainment industry wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t let setbacks stop me. I kept pushing, attending castings, learning new skills and improving my craft. Eventually, my persistence paid off with roles in both movies, series, commercials and music videos. What this has taught me is that no matter how tough the journey gets, determination and hard work always open doors. And once one door opens, the opportunities keep coming.
As someone who has achieved fame across multiple platforms, what does being “renowned” mean to you personally and what are your future aspirations?
Being renowned means a lot, but I always keep perspective. To me, it’s about influence — the ability to inspire people, connect with fans and make an impact. Fame isn’t just about recognition; it’s about using that platform to do good, to push boundaries and to keep growing. My future aspirations are all about continuing to expand my brand, both in music and acting and creating something lasting. I want to leave behind a legacy where people remember me for my work, my authenticity and the positive energy I brought into their lives.
What advice would you give to young creators looking to balance personal authenticity with the demands of building a public brand?
The most important thing is to stay true to yourself. When you’re authentic, people can sense it — and that’s what builds a genuine connection with your audience. But at the same time, understand that building a public brand requires consistency, effort and a willingness to adapt. You don’t need to compromise who you are, but you need to evolve with the times. Balance your personal beliefs with what’s popular, but always keep your core values intact. Your followers will appreciate that.
Can you share with us some of your new projects or the dreams you have?
I’m really excited about what’s coming up! In music, I have new singles on the way and I’m working on an album that blends my Greek and Moroccan roots with modern, global sounds. In terms of acting, I’m looking to expand into larger film roles and TV shows — something that will really push my limits as an actor. I love the vibes in Hollywood and I’m going often to explore my opportunities, so going next level there is definitely on my to-do list. I’m also working on launching my own lifestyle brand, with a focus on fashion and wellness. These are just a few things, but the dream is to keep growing and building something that resonates with my audience on a global scale.