Valencia have turned to Javier Aguirre to lead their first team. The club confirmed on 23 September 2026 that Aguirre will take charge until the end of the season, with an option for another year. This move comes just weeks after Aguirre wrapped up his third stint with the Mexico national team at the 2026 World Cup, where he took them to the round of 16, according to Reuters and AP.
Aguirre, now 67, knows Spanish football inside out. He started coaching in Mexico with Atlante in 1996. His big break came with Pachuca, where he won the Mexican league in 1999-2000. That success opened the door to Europe. In La Liga, Aguirre led Osasuna to the Champions League between 2002 and 2006. He managed Atlético Madrid from 2006 to 2009, then took over at Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganés, and most recently Real Mallorca from 2022 to 2024, as ESPN reported.
Valencia is the seventh Spanish club Javier Aguirre has managed, following previous stints at Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganés, and Mallorca.
Valencia will present Aguirre at a press conference at Mestalla on Monday, 28 September. The club wants to steady the ship and bring in experience. The timing shows urgency, much like Baniyas' recent quick move for Hassan Al Abdouli, as reported earlier. Reuters says Aguirre replaces interim coach Óscar Sánchez, who stepped in after Carlos Corberán was let go last week following a poor start to the season.
Aguirre's international record is strong. He has led Mexico three times-2001-2002, 2009-2010, and from July 2024 to July 2026. He won the Gold Cup in 2025 and the CONCACAF Nations League in 2024-2025. At the World Cup, his teams have always reached the knockout rounds. Aguirre has also managed Japan (2014-2015) and Egypt (2018-2019). His club trophies include a UAE League Cup with Al Wahda in 2015-2016 and a CONCACAF Champions League title with Monterrey in 2021.
For Valencia, Aguirre's arrival is more than just another coaching change. The club is betting on a manager with a proven track record. Aguirre's experience in both club and international football gives him the tools to handle La Liga's demands and bring direction back to Mestalla. The contract extension option gives Valencia some flexibility. But the message is clear: Aguirre is expected to deliver results right away. His hiring marks a new push for ambition at the club.
According to The Athletic, Aguirre becomes Valencia's 18th permanent head coach since 2012, highlighting the club's unusually high managerial turnover. This statistic underscores the pressure and volatility that have characterized Valencia's recent history, making Aguirre's experience and stability particularly valuable as the club seeks a turnaround.
