Aguirre returns to Spain as Valencia boss
Javier Aguirre last coached in Spain with Real Mallorca, leading them to their first Copa del Rey final in 21 years before leaving in 2024.
MADRID - Former Mexico coach Javier Aguirre will return to his native Spain to take charge of La Liga strugglers Valencia, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The 67-year-old previously led Mexico to the 2026 World Cup's last 16, where they fell to England, concluding his third tenure with his national team. Aguirre's most recent role in Spain was with Real Mallorca, where he guided them to their first Copa del Rey final in 21 years before departing in 2024.
The Mexican coach has accepted a position at Valencia until the conclusion of the current season, with the club retaining the option to extend his contract for an additional year. Valencia, owned by Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, has struggled this season, earning only four points from their opening seven league matches and currently languishing in second-bottom position.
The club recently parted ways with former coach Carlos Corberan and CEO Ron Gourlay. La Liga's six-time champions, last victorious in 2004 under Rafael Benitez, have not finished higher than ninth in the league since the 2018/19 season. Valencia's fanbase has vocally opposed Lim and his son Kiat, who assumed the roles of club president in March 2025.
Aguirre's coaching career in Spain includes stints at Leganes, Espanyol, Real Zaragoza, and Osasuna, the latter of which he led to a surprising Champions League qualification with a fourth-place finish in La Liga during the 2006-07 season before moving on to Atletico Madrid. Additionally, he has managed the national teams of Japan and Egypt.
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