News

Rafa Benitez has returned to management.

An official announcement (see below) on Friday morning revealing the news.

Rafa Benitez taking the manager’s job at Panathinaikos.

The 65 year old taking on the challenge, after 19 months out of football following Celta Vigo sacking him in March 2024.

Good luck to Rafa, somebody who will always get a warm welcome from Newcastle United fans, having done an outstanding job despite Mike Ashley in control of NUFC at the time.

Panathinaikos official statement – 24 October 2025:

‘Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Panathinaikos

The great Spanish coach takes up his duties immediately

Panathinaikos FC announces the start of its collaboration with one of the most successful coaches in world football and the top coach to ever come to a Greek team, Rafa Benitez!

The countless titles he has won in his long career – including the Champions League, two UEFA Cup/Europa League and a Club World Cup – as well as his overall career in football demonstrate the reach and stature of the Spanish coach. Rafa Benitez immediately assumes his duties at the Clover, along with his staff.

Rafa Benitez was born on April...