Rafa Benitez secures new role as highest-paid manager in league history

Basio badr

ago 14 hours

Rafa Benitez secures new role as highest-paid manager in league history

Rafa Benitez has officially returned to management, taking the helm at Panathinaikos. The experienced coach, aged 65, was previously a free agent after leaving Celta Vigo in 2024. His new role with the Greek club is marked by a lucrative contract, making him the highest-paid manager in league history.

Contract Details

Benitez has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Panathinaikos, reportedly worth £4.4 million annually. This unprecedented agreement sets a new standard for managerial salaries in Greek football.

Return to European Competitions

Taking charge at Panathinaikos allows Benitez a swift return to European competitions. The team is currently competing in the Europa League, a tournament the Spanish manager has previously won.

Club Ambitions

Club president Yiannis Alafouzos and sporting director Franco Baldini selected Benitez as their preferred candidate. Their aim is to revive Panathinaikos’s status in Greek football, as the team has not claimed the league title since 2010. A key goal is to perform well ahead of their anticipated move to a new stadium in Votanikos, scheduled for 2027.

Historical Context

Panathinaikos boasts a rich European history. The club reached the final of the European Cup in 1971, where they faced Ajax at Wembley, ultimately losing 2-0. They also made significant progress in the Champions League during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Upcoming Matches

Benitez is set to manage his first game against Asteras Tripolis, a team previously led by Chris Coleman. Currently, Panathinaikos sits seventh in the Super League standings, trailing PAOK by eight points.