Ricki Herbert, born on April tenth, nineteen sixty-one, is a distinguished former footballer and coach from New Zealand. Currently serving as the director of football at Hamilton Wanderers AFC, Herbert has made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the field.
Herbert's coaching career is highlighted by his tenure as the head coach of the New Zealand national team, a role he stepped down from after the team did not qualify for the two thousand fourteen FIFA World Cup. His legacy is particularly notable as he is the only New Zealander to have participated in the World Cup as both a player and a manager.
As a player, Herbert represented New Zealand in the nineteen eighty-two FIFA World Cup held in Spain. Later, he took on the managerial role during the two thousand ten FIFA World Cup, where he famously led the team through the tournament unbeaten, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills.
In addition to his national duties, Herbert's most recent international coaching role was with the Maldives national football team, further demonstrating his commitment to developing football in various regions.