For many football fans who grew up in the 90s, their childhood heroes have traded their boots for tactics boards, transitioning from beloved players to promising managers. The 2023-24 season promises excitement as several iconic figures take their managerial careers to new heights. Let’s explore the top 10 player-turned-managers poised to make a significant impact this season.
1. Thiago Motta: Juventus’ New Maestro
Thiago Motta, born in 1982 in Brazil, has had a remarkable journey to the Juventus dugout. His playing career began at Barcelona’s youth academy, where he won two La Liga titles and a Champions League. After overcoming early career injuries, Motta flourished at Inter Milan, becoming a key part of José Mourinho’s treble-winning side in 2010. He then moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he won 21 trophies in six years.
Internationally, Motta represented both Brazil and Italy, earning 30 caps for the Azzurri and participating in Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. His transition to management began with PSG’s U19 team before taking charge of Genoa in 2019. Successful stints at Spezia and Bologna followed, where he implemented an attractive, possession-based style of play. Now at Juventus, Motta faces the challenge of restoring the Old Lady to her former glory while competing against a resurgent Serie A.
2. Nuri Şahin: Dortmund’s Prodigal Son Returns
Nuri Şahin, born in 1988, was once the Bundesliga’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer. His career at Borussia Dortmund saw him become a key figure in Jürgen Klopp’s side that won the 2010-11 Bundesliga title. This success earned him a move to Real Madrid, though limited playing time led to loan spells at Liverpool and back at Dortmund.
Şahin earned 52 caps for Turkey, participating in Euro 2016. After finishing his playing career at Werder Bremen and Antalyaspor, he transitioned to management at the latter in 2021. His tactical approach, influenced by mentors like Klopp, focuses on high-intensity, pressing football. Returning to Dortmund as manager, Şahin aims to recapture the club’s glory days while nurturing young talent, a hallmark of his own career.
3. Vincent Kompany: The Captain’s New Challenge at Bayern
Vincent Kompany, born in 1986, is synonymous with Manchester City’s rise to dominance in English football. Over 11 seasons, he captained the side to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. Known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and crucial goals, Kompany made 360 appearances for City.
Internationally, Kompany earned 89 caps for Belgium, playing in two World Cups and Euro 2016. His transition to management began as player-manager at Anderlecht in 2019, before fully focusing on coaching in 2020. After a successful spell at Burnley, where he led the team back to the Premier League with an attractive, possession-based style, Kompany now faces his biggest challenge yet at Bayern Munich. His task is to maintain Bayern’s domestic dominance while pursuing Champions League glory.
4. Arda Turan: Turkey’s Creative Genius Takes the Helm
Arda Turan, born in 1987, was one of Turkey’s most talented players of his generation. He rose to prominence at Galatasaray, winning the Süper Lig and Turkish Cup before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2011. At Atlético, Turan was instrumental in the club’s 2013-14 La Liga triumph and their run to the Champions League final. His success led to a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2015, where he added to his trophy haul.
With 100 caps for Turkey, Turan was a key figure in their memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2008. Known for his dribbling skills, vision, and versatility, he could play across the midfield and attack. After retiring in 2022, Turan quickly moved into management with Eyüpspor. His challenge now is to translate his creative playing style into an effective tactical approach, nurturing the next generation of Turkish talent.
5. Cesc Fàbregas: La Masia Graduate to Serie A Strategist
Cesc Fàbregas, born in 1987, emerged from Barcelona’s La Masia academy before making his name at Arsenal. At just 21, he became Arsenal’s youngest captain, known for his exceptional passing and vision. He returned to Barcelona in 2011, winning La Liga and numerous domestic cups, before moving to Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles.
Fàbregas earned 110 caps for Spain, playing a crucial role in their dominant period that saw them win two European Championships (2008, 2012) and the 2010 World Cup. His assist for Andrés Iniesta’s winning goal in the World Cup final is etched in Spanish football history. After finishing his playing career at Monaco and Como, Fàbregas transitioned to management at Como in Serie B. His deep understanding of midfield play and experience under managers like Arsène Wenger and Pep Guardiola shape his coaching philosophy.
6. Robin van Persie: The Flying Dutchman Lands at Heerenveen
Robin van Persie, born in 1983, was one of the most lethal strikers of his generation. He began his career at Feyenoord, winning the UEFA Cup in 2002, before moving to Arsenal in 2004. At Arsenal, he transformed from a winger to a center-forward, eventually becoming club captain and winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2012. His controversial move to Manchester United saw him lead the club to the 2012-13 Premier League title, again finishing as top scorer.
Van Persie earned 102 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 50 goals and featuring in three World Cups. His spectacular diving header against Spain in the 2014 World Cup is considered one of the greatest World Cup goals. After retiring in 2019, van Persie began his coaching journey in Feyenoord’s youth academy. Now at Heerenveen, he aims to implement an attacking philosophy reflective of his playing style, focusing on developing young talent.
7. Mikel Arteta: Architect of Arsenal’s Renaissance
Mikel Arteta, born in 1982, had a distinguished playing career primarily in England. After starting at Barcelona’s academy, he played for PSG, Rangers, and Real Sociedad before finding success in the Premier League with Everton and Arsenal. At Arsenal, he became club captain, winning two FA Cups.
After retiring in 2016, Arteta immediately transitioned into coaching, becoming Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. This experience proved invaluable when he took over as Arsenal manager in 2019. Despite initial challenges, Arteta has transformed Arsenal’s playing style and culture, leading them back into title contention. His tactical approach, blending Guardiola’s positional play with his own innovations, has earned praise and results. Arteta’s success at Arsenal demonstrates the potential of young, tactically astute former players in top-level management.
beloved players to promising managers.
8. Xabi Alonso: From Midfield General to Bundesliga Champion
Xabi Alonso, born in 1981, was one of the most cultured midfielders of his generation. He began at Real Sociedad before moving to Liverpool, where he played a pivotal role in their miraculous 2005 Champions League victory. Success followed at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, where he won numerous domestic and European titles.
For Spain, Alonso earned 114 caps, forming part of the legendary team that won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012. Known for his passing range, tactical intelligence, and leadership, Alonso seamlessly transitioned to management. After coaching Real Madrid’s youth team and Real Sociedad B, he took over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. In 2024, he led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, remaining unbeaten throughout the season. This historic achievement, coupled with domestic cup success and a strong European campaign, has quickly established Alonso as one of Europe’s most promising managers.
beloved players to promising managers.
9. Wayne Rooney: England’s Record Scorer Aims for Managerial Success
Wayne Rooney, born in 1985, burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton before becoming Manchester United’s all-time top scorer. At United, he won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, and numerous domestic cups. Rooney is also England’s record goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, representing his country at six major tournaments.
Rooney’s transition to management began as player-coach at Derby County in 2020, before taking full managerial responsibilities. Despite the club’s financial difficulties, Rooney earned praise for his work under challenging circumstances. After a brief spell at D.C. United in MLS, Rooney now manages Plymouth Argyle in the Championship. Known for his on-field intelligence and versatility, Rooney aims to build a team that reflects his passionate, all-action playing style while developing young talent.
10. Steven Gerrard: Liverpool Legend’s Ongoing Managerial Journey
Steven Gerrard, born in 1980, is a Liverpool icon who made 710 appearances for the club. He captained Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 and won numerous domestic cups, though a Premier League title eluded him. Gerrard earned 114 caps for England, playing in six major tournaments and captaining the side at the 2014 World Cup.
Gerrard’s management career began with Liverpool’s U18 team before he took charge of Rangers in 2018. At Rangers, he ended Celtic’s dominance by winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021, completing an unbeaten league season. This success led to his appointment at Aston Villa in the Premier League, though his tenure there was short-lived. Now managing Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard faces the challenge of adapting to a new football culture while implementing his tactical ideas. His journey exemplifies the challenges former star players face in translating playing success to managerial achievements.
As these 90s football heroes embrace new challenges as managers, the 2023-24 season promises intrigue and excitement. Their playing experiences, tactical knowledge, and leadership skills position them to make lasting impacts on their clubs and leagues and transformed them from beloved players to promising managers.. From Thiago Motta’s quest at Juventus to Xabi Alonso’s triumphs at Bayer Leverkusen, these legendary figures are set to inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts from the dugout. Their diverse paths and approaches to management reflect the evolving nature of football, as yesterday’s on-field visionaries become today’s tactical innovators.
beloved players to promising managers.
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