Former Barcelona player Rafael Marquez to coach Mexico after World Cup

Javier Aguirre will no longer lead the Mexican national football team after the conclusion of the World Cup, as his contract is set to expire. The Mexican Football Federation has announced that former Barcelona star Rafael Márquez will succeed him as head coach.

Duilio Davino, director of national teams for the Mexican Football Federation, confirmed that Márquez's contract has already been signed. Davino expressed confidence in Márquez, stating, "As a second coach, as a coach, he is the same as when he was a player: he transforms the team."

The 47-year-old Márquez has been an assistant to head coach Aguirre since 2024. During his playing career, Márquez was a prominent figure, participating in five World Cups and captaining the team in four of them. He is one of the few players to achieve this distinction.

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His contract has already been signed.

Márquez enjoyed a successful club career, most notably with Barcelona from 2003 to 2010, where he won four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. He also played for Atlas and León in Mexico, Monaco in France, and the New York Red Bulls in the United States.

This coaching change in Mexico follows other recent personnel shifts in national teams participating in the World Cup. Roberto Martínez has departed as head coach of Portugal, and Germany announced its new head coach after their World Cup performance.

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As a second coach, as a coach, he is the same as when he was a player: he transforms the team.