Cannavaro Open to Liga MX Challenge

Fabio Cannavaro, former Ballon d’Or winner and Italy's 2006 World Cup captain, is considering a new step in his coaching career: managing in Liga MX. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, two major Mexican clubs have contacted Cannavaro to discuss the possibility of him leading their squads in the upcoming Apertura 2025 season.

“Talks have taken place with Cannavaro, who is open to the challenge and intrigued by the idea of managing in Liga MX,” Romano revealed on social media. While the clubs have not been officially named, speculation points toward Monterrey—following the departure of Martín Demichelis—and Chivas de Guadalajara, after parting ways with Gerardo Espinoza.

Cannavaro, 51, recently left his post as head coach of Dinamo Zagreb and is currently a free agent. Since beginning his coaching journey in 2014, he has managed teams across China, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, including Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Quanjian, Al-Nassr, Benevento, and Udinese. He also briefly served as interim coach of the China national team.

From World Champion to Global Coach

As a player, Cannavaro enjoyed a legendary career. He won the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and remains the last defender to earn football’s most prestigious individual award. He played for top clubs such as Parma, Juventus, and Real Madrid, where he was praised for his leadership and defensive prowess.

As a coach, he has overseen over 200 official matches. His most successful spell came in China, where he led Guangzhou Evergrande to a Chinese Super League title and Chinese Super Cup victory. His most recent jobs in Italy and Croatia, however, were less fruitful, recording a modest win rate in combined stints with Udinese, Benevento, and Dinamo Zagreb.