Luis Enrique

After retiring as a professional player, Luis Enrique turned to management and began his managerial career with FC Barcelona B, the reserve team of FC Barcelona, in June 2008. Under his leadership, the team performed admirably and he quickly gained recognition for his managerial capabilities. This period marked the beginning of his transition from a celebrated player to a respected football manager.

In June 2011, Luis Enrique was appointed the manager of AS Roma, marking his first venture into managing a top-tier club team outside of Spain. His appointment was part of Roma's ambitious project to rejuvenate the squad with youthful coaching talent. Despite struggling initially to impose his style, his time in Italy was a significant step in his managerial career, broadening his experience in a challenging league.

Luis Enrique was appointed as the manager of FC Barcelona in May 2014, returning to the club where he once played with great distinction. His arrival was met with high expectations given his past association with the club and his growing reputation as a coach. Enrique's task was to bring silverware back to the club, which he achieved by implementing an aggressive, fast-paced style of play that leveraged the strengths of Barcelona's prolific front line.

On June 6, 2015, Luis Enrique guided FC Barcelona to a historic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League in his debut season. This incredible achievement cemented his legacy as one of the most successful managers in the club's history. His tactics, leadership, and ability to motivate the team were key factors in Barcelona's dominant performances throughout the season.

On March 1, 2017, Luis Enrique announced that he would be stepping down as the manager of FC Barcelona at the end of the season. Citing the overwhelming intensity and pressure of the role, he decided not to renew his contract. During his tenure, Enrique had led Barcelona to numerous trophies including multiple Copa del Rey titles and a Champions League victory, leaving behind a legacy of success at the club.

Luis Enrique was appointed as the head coach of the Spain national football team on July 9, 2018. His appointment came after Spain's disappointing exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the aim of revitalizing and rebuilding the national team. Enrique's approach was focused on infusing the team with new talent while maintaining Spain's traditional possession-based style, marking a new era for Spanish football.

Luis Enrique stepped down from his role as the manager of the Spain national team on June 19, 2019, due to personal reasons. The Spanish Football Federation announced his decision, and Enrique prioritized his family's needs over his professional duties. His departure was met with understanding and support from players, fans, and the federation, as his leadership had been valued during a critical transition period for the team.

On November 19, 2019, Luis Enrique returned to the position of head coach of the Spain national team, five months after stepping down. His return was announced by the Spanish Football Federation, emphasizing the continued trust in his vision and leadership for the team. Enrique's return was aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in the national team's strategies leading up to major international tournaments.

Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, Spain reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2020 on July 6, 2021. After a thrilling penalty shoot-out, Spain was narrowly defeated by Italy. Despite the loss, Enrique's tactical acumen and the team's revitalized performances were praised widely. This was seen as a significant achievement for Spain, who were re-emerging as a competitive force in international football under Enrique's leadership.

Luis Enrique left his position as the head coach of the Spain national football team on December 8, 2022, following Spain's elimination from the FIFA World Cup. Under his management, the team had shown signs of growth and innovation, yet the World Cup exit prompted a new direction for the national side. His departure concluded a term that had seen Spain trying to re-establish itself among football's elite.