Quick Info
| Profession | Football manager and former player |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Date of Birth | 16/04/1960 |
| Age | 66 years |
| Birthplace | Madrid, Spain |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Latest News about Rafa Benítez
20/10/2026
Benítez returned to Anfield as a pundit for Amazon Prime, joining Robbie Fowler and Daniel Sturridge for the broadcast of Liverpool's Champions League match against Villarreal. The role came while he was out of a managerial job following his dismissal by Panathinaikos earlier in 2026.
22/05/2026
Panathinaikos announced the end of its collaboration with Rafa Benítez, about seven months after he took charge in October 2025. The club cited a disappointing season, including a 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos in April, while the Greek side finished fourth in the league and reached the Europa League round of 16. Benítez was reported to have been earning around £4.4 million per season at the club.
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Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Rafael Benítez Maudes |
|---|---|
| Summary | Spanish football manager and former defender who won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and two La Liga titles with Valencia. His 17th managerial job was at Panathinaikos, from October 2025 until his dismissal in May 2026. |
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Physical Stats & More
| Height | 1.75 m |
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Personal Life
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Children | Two daughters |
Career
| Playing Career | Joined the Real Madrid youth system in 1974 and later played for Castilla; played as a defender. |
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| Managerial Career |
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| Awards |
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Style Quotient
| Tactical Style | Known for a scientific approach and advocacy of zonal marking; teams typically solid defensively. |
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Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Became the first manager to win the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League in successive seasons with two different clubs. | |
| 2. Became the second Liverpool manager, after Joe Fagan, to win the European Cup in his first season in charge. | |
| 3. Used computer technology to monitor players' diets and physical development. |
