Italian World Cup legend begins new chapter with ambitious UAE club
Italy’s celebrated midfield maestro and 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has taken over as the new head coach of Dubai-based United FC, marking a significant milestone in both his managerial career and the club’s young history, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Pirlo’s appointment signals bold ambition from newly promoted UAE First Division side.
Founded in September 2022, United FC—also known as Dubai United—has rapidly risen through the ranks of UAE football. In their debut 2022–23 season, the club earned promotion from the Second Division after finishing second with the best offensive and defensive records. With its sights now firmly set on UAE’s top footballing honors, the club has turned to Pirlo to guide them through the upcoming 2025–26 First Division season.
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“We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family,” said club president Ilie Cebanu, highlighting Pirlo’s alignment with the club’s vision
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United FC also stated: “Pirlo brings with him a unique footballing vision and coaching experience from Juventus and Sampdoria
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His arrival marks an exciting new chapter and reflects the club’s growing ambitions.”
Pirlo’s decorated playing and coaching career
Pirlo, 46, is revered as one of football’s greatest deep-lying playmakers. With 116 caps for Italy and a pivotal role in their 2006 World Cup victory, his club success includes Champions League titles and Serie A dominance with AC Milan and Juventus. He ended his playing career with New York City FC in MLS before retiring in 2017.
His coaching journey began in 2020 with Juventus, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his debut season. Stints with Fatih Karagümrük (Turkey) and Sampdoria (Italy) followed, with mixed results but continued recognition of his footballing intellect.
New start in Dubai
Now, Pirlo steps into a fresh environment, looking to reignite his managerial career and elevate United FC on and off the pitch. His first official match in charge is set for September 20 against Al Dhaid, and he has already begun preparations with the squad.
