What Happened to Marcelo Daniel Gallardo?
Marcelo Gallardo is an Argentine professional football manager and former player, widely regarded as River Plate's most successful coach during his initial tenure from 2014 to 2022. After a brief and challenging spell managing Saudi club Al-Ittihad in 2023-2024, he returned to River Plate in August 2024 for a second stint that concluded on February 26, 2026, following a period of inconsistent results and a failure to secure titles.
Quick Answer
Marcelo Gallardo recently concluded his second managerial spell at River Plate on February 26, 2026, after announcing his resignation on February 23, 2026. His return in August 2024, following a short and unsuccessful period with Saudi club Al-Ittihad, did not replicate the immense success of his first era, marked by a lack of silverware and a difficult start to the 2026 season. As of March 1, 2026, Gallardo is currently unemployed.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Begins Managerial Career at Nacional
After retiring as a player, Gallardo quickly transitioned to management, taking the helm at Uruguayan club Nacional and leading them to a league title in his first full season.
Appointed River Plate Manager (First Stint)
Marcelo Gallardo returned to his beloved River Plate as head coach, beginning an era that would redefine the club's modern history.
Wins Copa Sudamericana with River Plate
In his first year, Gallardo led River Plate to their first international trophy in 17 years, defeating Atlético Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana final.
Secures First Copa Libertadores with River Plate
Gallardo guided River Plate to their third Copa Libertadores title, and his first as a manager, further solidifying his impact at the club.
Wins Historic Copa Libertadores Final vs. Boca Juniors
River Plate, under Gallardo, defeated arch-rivals Boca Juniors in a memorable Copa Libertadores final, a victory that cemented his legendary status.
Departs River Plate after Highly Successful First Stint
After eight years and 14 trophies, Marcelo Gallardo announced his departure from River Plate, ending one of the most successful managerial periods in the club's history.
Appointed Manager of Al-Ittihad
Gallardo took on his first managerial role outside South America, signing an 18-month contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.
Sacked by Al-Ittihad
Following an underwhelming season where Al-Ittihad finished fifth and missed continental qualification, Gallardo was dismissed, reportedly receiving a $30 million severance package.
Returns to River Plate for Second Managerial Stint
Marcelo Gallardo made a highly anticipated return to River Plate as head coach, replacing Martín Demichelis, with a contract until December 2026.
Difficult Season in Second River Plate Stint
River Plate failed to win any titles in 2025, were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, and did not qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores.
Announces Departure from River Plate
Following a challenging period and a poor start to the 2026 season, Gallardo confirmed his resignation from River Plate, expressing regret over unachieved objectives.
Coaches Final Game for River Plate
Marcelo Gallardo managed his last match for River Plate against Banfield at the Monumental Stadium, marking the end of his second tenure at the club.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Marcelo Daniel Gallardo, born on January 18, 1976, established himself as a legendary figure in Argentine football, first as a creative midfielder and later as a highly decorated coach. His playing career included significant spells at River Plate, Monaco, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple titles. However, it was his transition to management that truly cemented his legacy.
Gallardo's coaching journey began with Nacional in Uruguay, where he immediately led them to a league title in 2012. His most impactful period, however, was his first tenure as manager of River Plate, from June 2014 to December 2022. During these eight years, he transformed the club, winning an unprecedented 14 major trophies, including two Copa Libertadores titles in 2015 and 2018, the latter famously against arch-rivals Boca Juniors. This era made him the most successful coach in River Plate's history and earned him widespread acclaim, with figures like Pep Guardiola praising his work.
After a brief sabbatical, Gallardo took on his first overseas managerial role with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, signing an 18-month contract in November 2023. Despite managing a squad featuring stars like Karim Benzema, his time in Saudi Arabia was challenging. Al-Ittihad finished fifth in the 2023/24 season, failing to qualify for the Asian Champions League, and reports surfaced of a strained relationship with Benzema. This disappointing spell concluded with his sacking on July 2, 2024, reportedly resulting in a significant $30 million severance package.
Gallardo made a highly anticipated return to River Plate on August 5, 2024, replacing Martín Demichelis, with a contract extending until December 2026. However, his second stint proved difficult. In 2024, River Plate recorded 10 wins, 10 draws, and 5 losses in 25 matches under his guidance. The 2025 season saw further struggles, with the team failing to win any silverware, being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, and notably missing out on qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The beginning of 2026 brought a series of poor results, including three consecutive league defeats in February. On February 23, 2026, Gallardo announced his resignation, expressing deep regret over not achieving the set objectives, with his final match taking place on February 26, 2026, against Banfield. As of March 1, 2026, Marcelo Gallardo is no longer managing River Plate and his future coaching role is yet to be announced.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Marcelo Daniel Gallardo made different choices?