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Fabio Cannavaro, 2006 World Cup winner and Ballon dOr laureate, is named head coach of Uzbekistan as they prepare for their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2026.
2006 FIFA World Cup Winner, Fabio Cannavaro of Italy (AFP)
Fabio Cannavaro, Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or laureate, has officially been appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team, the country’s football association announced on Monday.
The move marks a bold new era for the Central Asian side, who recently achieved the greatest milestone in their footballing history — qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.
A World Champion for a First-Time World Cup Team
In a statement posted on Instagram — and reshared by Cannavaro himself — the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) confirmed the appointment, calling it a landmark signing for the nation.
“The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro — a renowned specialist, one of the best defenders of his generation, a four-time World Cup participant, and the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup,” the UFA announced.
“The Italian coach will lead our national team in preparation for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.”
Cannavaro’s Coaching Journey — A Global Odyssey
This will be Cannavaro’s second stint managing a national team. He previously took charge of China in early 2019, though his tenure lasted just two matches — both defeats — before he stepped down.
Since hanging up his boots, the 50-year-old has built a truly global coaching résumé, with spells in China, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, and Italy.
His most successful chapter came in 2019, when he led Guangzhou Evergrande to the Chinese Super League title, the same year he briefly doubled up as China’s national coach.
From Parma to Madrid — The Making of a Legend
Before turning to management, Cannavaro carved out a glittering playing career that made him one of football’s most respected defenders.
He rose to prominence with Parma, before establishing himself as a defensive rock at Juventus, where he twice won Serie A titles (though they were later rescinded amid the Calciopoli scandal).
He then moved to Real Madrid, winning back-to-back La Liga titles, and even claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2006, becoming one of the few defenders ever to do so. After a brief return to Juventus, he closed out his playing career in Dubai.
A Historic Moment for Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a watershed moment for the nation — a testament to years of steady progress and investment in grassroots football.
Local reports suggest that Timur Kapadze, the man who guided the team through the final stages of qualification, will stay on as part of Cannavaro’s backroom staff.
Cannavaro now faces the challenge of transforming Uzbekistan’s underdog spirit into a competitive edge on the global stage.
(with AFP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
October 06, 2025, 23:45 is
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