Rafa Benítez appointed Panathinaikos head coach

Rafa Benítez has signed as the new head coach of Greek giants Panathinaikos FC, marking his return to management after a break since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on Friday, “Rafa Benítez signs in as new Panathinaikos head coach, agreement sealed today with the Spanish manager.”

The deal, widely reported by Greek and international media, runs for two-and-a-half years and places Benítez among the highest-paid coaches in the history of Greek football.

The deal marks the 17th managerial role for the 65-year-old and a return to the dugout after a 19-month hiatus.

The Greek giants currently sit seventh in the 14-team Super League Greece on nine points after six matches, eight points behind league leaders PAOK but with a game in hand.

Hailed as a Spanish messiah, Benitez, who has also managed the likes of Valencia, Napoli, and Newcastle United in stints across the continent, is largely remembered for being the mastermind on the touchline as Liverpool beat a star-studded AC Milan in that 2005 Champions League final.