Skip to main content

Former Real Madrid Manager Rafael Benitez Returns To La Liga After Landing Celta Vigo Job

Rafael Benitez will be back in La Liga next season after being hired to manage Celta Vigo.

The 63-year-old has not worked for a Spanish club since he was fired by Real Madrid in January 2016.

Benitez was in charge of the Madrid first team for just 25 matches and was unable to win any silverware at the Bernabeu.

But he famously led Valencia to La Liga titles in 2002 and 2004.

Manager Rafael Benitez pictured during a Real Madrid game in 2015

Manager Rafael Benitez pictured during a Real Madrid game in 2015

Benitez has also managed Valladolid, Osasuna, Extremadura and Tenerife in Spain.

Elsewhere, his resume includes trophy wins with Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Newcastle.

Benitez had been out of work since leaving Everton in January 2022.

He takes over a Celta side that finished 13th in Spain's top division last season.

Benitez replaces Carlos Carvalhal, who led Celta to 10 wins in 29 games in all competitions after being appointed in November last year.