- Nationality
Spain- Current Team
- WHU
Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui, born on August 28, 1966, in Asteasu, Spain, is a renowned football manager and former goalkeeper. He began his playing career in Spain, where he played for top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Lopetegui’s playing career spanned the 1980s and 1990s, during which he gained experience at the highest levels of Spanish football.
After retiring as a player, Lopetegui transitioned into management. He started his coaching career with Spain’s youth teams, where he found success by guiding them to European Championship victories. His achievements with Spain’s youth teams earned him a reputation as a top-tier coach. In 2014, he took over as manager of FC Porto in Portugal. During his time at Porto, Lopetegui implemented a tactical style focused on possession and disciplined defending. Though his time at Porto did not yield major trophies, his methods impressed many in the football world.
In 2016, Lopetegui took on the role of Spain’s national team manager. He led Spain through an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign, going unbeaten. However, just before the 2018 World Cup, Real Madrid announced him as their new manager. This announcement led to his dismissal from the Spain job, which caused controversy. His time at Real Madrid was short-lived, as he was dismissed after a poor run of results.
Lopetegui found success again when he joined Sevilla in 2019. Under his leadership, Sevilla won the UEFA Europa League in 2020. This achievement marked a high point in his managerial career, as he led the club to victory in one of Europe’s most competitive tournaments.
In 2022, Lopetegui made his move to the Premier League, taking charge of West Ham United. His appointment signaled the club’s ambition to compete at higher levels in English football. Lopetegui’s tactical acumen and experience in European competitions brought new hope to West Ham. He focused on improving the team’s structure, working on both defense and attack.
For more about West Ham United, visit their team page. For updates on the Premier League, check the official site.