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Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has been appointed head coach of Greek club Panathinaikos.
Benitez’s last coaching position came in an eight-month spell in charge of Spanish club Celta Vigo. He was sacked in March 2024 following a 4-0 defeat at Real Madrid which left Celta just one place and two points above the relegation zone, having won five of his 28 league matches in charge.
Benitez managed Liverpool for six years between 2004 and 2010, winning the Champions League in 2005.
He also coached Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton from June 2021 but was sacked in January 2023 after nine defeats from 13 games.
He also had a three-year spell at Newcastle United, leading the club back to the Premier League in 2016-17 after winning the Championship.
Benitez has also coached Real Madrid, Napoli, Inter Milan and Valencia in a storied career at the highest level. He had a brief period as interim coach of Chelsea where he won the Europa League in 2013.
In being appointed by Panathinaikos, Benitez has become the permanent successor to Rui Vitoria, who was dismissed in September after a single season in charge. Christos Kontis took interim charge while the club sought a replacement.
Panathinaikos are seventh in Super League Greece with nine points from six matches. They have three points from their opening three matches of the Europa League campaign and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Feyenoord on Thursday.
Oct 24, 2025
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