Rafael Benítez

Rafael Benítez, born on April 16, 1960, is a distinguished Spanish football manager and former player, currently leading Panathinaikos in the Super League Greece. His coaching journey began at Real Madrid, where he joined the staff at the young age of twenty-six, eventually taking on roles as the under-19 and reserve team coach, as well as assistant manager for the senior team.

After a brief stint at Real Valladolid and Osasuna, Benítez found success with Extremadura, guiding the club back to La Liga in the 1997–98 season. His career took a significant turn when he became the head coach of Valencia, where he celebrated La Liga titles in the 2001–02 and 2003–04 seasons, along with a UEFA Cup victory.

Benítez's tenure at Liverpool marked a high point in his career, leading the team to a memorable UEFA Champions League victory in 2005 and earning the UEFA Manager of the Year award twice consecutively. He also secured the FA Cup in 2006 and reached the Champions League final in 2007, although the Premier League title eluded him during his time there.

Following his departure from Liverpool in June 2010, he managed Inter Milan, where he won the Supercoppa Italiana and Club World Cup, but was dismissed midway through the season. His subsequent roles included interim manager at Chelsea, where he won the Europa League, and a successful period at Napoli, where he claimed the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.

Benítez returned to Real Madrid briefly in 2015 before taking charge of Newcastle United in March 2016. Despite facing relegation, he led the team back to the Premier League by winning the Championship. After leaving Newcastle in June 2019, he had a short spell with Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League and later managed Everton before taking over Celta Vigo in the 2023–24 season.