Rafael Márquez Named Mexico national team head coach
The Mexican Football Federation has officially appointed legendary former defender Rafael Márquez as the new head coach of the national team.
The 47-year-old succeeds Javier Aguirre, who stepped down following El Tri’s elimination from the World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 defeat by England in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.
Márquez, who had been serving as Aguirre’s assistant coach since August 2024, takes over the reins as part of a pre-planned long-term strategy known as “Project 2030.”
The federation confirmed that the swift transition was designed to ensure continuity and stability for the national program as it builds toward the next international cycle.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Mexican football history, Márquez brings an unparalleled international pedigree to the dugout, having earned 147 caps and captained his country across five consecutive World Cups between 2002 and 2018.
At club level, the former center-back enjoyed a highly decorated career in Europe, most notably winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies during a golden era with Barcelona, before later coaching the Catalan club’s reserve side.
Márquez is expected to make his formal managerial debut on the touchline during the international fixtures scheduled for late September.
