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RafaelBenitez

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Rafael Benitez news

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Rafa Benitez Xabi Alonso Chelsea

Benitez warning! Chelsea a big risk for Liverpool icon Alonso

Former Chelsea and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has told GOAL why Xabi Alonso would be taking a big risk by agreeing to fill “the hottest seat in world football” at Stamford Bridge. With strong ties to Anfield, the World Cup winner is said to be in contention for a Premier League return in west London. Rafa Benitez has previously trodden that path, and proved how difficult it can be to win over supporters that will demand immediate results.

X. AlonsoExclusive
Panathinaikos FC v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8

Benitez facing sack as ex-Liverpool pupil lined up

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is teetering on the edge of unemployment once again as reports in Greece suggest Panathinaikos are ready to pull the trigger. The 65-year-old Spaniard, who arrived in Athens with much fanfare back in October, has seen his tenure turn sour after only a few months at the helm. Despite signing a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract with a salary of approximately £3.5 million, the expected revolution has failed to materialise.

PanathinaikosSuper League
Rafa Benitez

Benitez set to secure 17th managerial job with shock club

Rafael Benitez is closing in on his 17th managerial role, as the veteran Spaniard is set to become Panathinaikos’ new head coach on a record-breaking contract. The 65-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024, is poised to become the highest-paid manager in Greek football history, marking his return after a 19-month break.

PanathinaikosTransfers
Rafa Benitez

Premier League icon keen to make managerial comeback

Iconic Premier League manager Rafael Benitez wants to make a managerial comeback in England's top-flight before formally ending his illustrious coaching career. The Spanish head coach managed four different English clubs in the last three decades, including his maiden stint at Anfield, where he guided Liverpool to their fifth Champions League title.

Premier LeagueLiverpool
Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League

'We've met a few times' - Benitez discusses Mourinho relationship

Rafa Benitez lifted the lid on his relationship with Jose Mourinho and made his feelings known on the Special One joining Benfica. The pair first locked horns in England back in 2004, when Benitez arrived at Liverpool just two weeks after Mourinho swaggered into Chelsea. What followed was a feud laced with mind games, press-room barbs, and an incredible 15 clashes in just three seasons.

J. MourinhoChelsea

Frequently asked questions

Lamine Yamal plays as a right winger as he is a left-footed player who cuts in from the flank, although he is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, too. He is a prolific creator and also possesses a keen eye for goal.

Lamine Yamal was born in Esplugues de Llobregat, a municipality in the Barcelona metropolitan area, in Spain.

Lamine Yamal currently wears the No. 19 jersey at Barcelona, which was worn by his idol Lionel Messi between 2005 and 2008.

Lamine Yamal stands at 1.78m (5ft 10in). He loves taking on his opponents and is mature beyond his years, even though he's just 17.

The record-breaking Lamine Yamal weighs 66kg (145 lbs).

Lamine Yamal spent two years at local club La Torreta, before being scouted being Barcelona in 2014. The teenage sensation then joined the Catalans as a seven-year old and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut in the 2022-23 season.

No, Lamine Yamal does not have any children.

Lamine Yamal went public with influencer girlfriend Alex Padilla as recently as the Euro 2024 final, but the duo have since unfollowed each other on Instagram after the latter was spotted sitting on someone's lap during a livestreamed video, which went viral.

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