[citation needed] Balafas started his career in Anagennisi Artas and became an integral part of the team at very young age.

[citation needed] Holding a secondary role in Fernando Santos's plans for the 2009–2010 season, Balafas agreed during the pre-season to move on loan to the newly promoted PAS Giannina for one year.

It was reported that the main reason for his choice to play for a minor club, was the possibility to work again with his mentor Georgios Paraschos.

[1] During the 2011–12 season, after a lot of injuries among more senior players of the team, Balafas took his chances for the Europa League and after the winning goal against FC Karpaty Lviv became a fan favorite and his coach László Bölöni gave him more chances of playing time.

[3] He has been a basic part of the Greece national under-21 football team along with former PAOK teammates Stelios Iliadis and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, being capped for more than 10 times.