What Happened to Miguel Ernesto Herrera Aguirre?

Miguel Ernesto Herrera Aguirre, affectionately known as 'El Piojo,' has carved out a distinctive career in Mexican football, first as a tenacious defender and later as a charismatic and often controversial manager. His playing career spanned from 1985 to 2000, notably with Atlante, where he won a Primera División title in the 1992-93 season.

Herrera began his managerial journey in 2002 with Atlante. He gained significant recognition during his two spells with Club América, Mexico's most decorated club. His first tenure from 2011 to 2013 saw him win his first Liga MX championship in 2013. This success led to his appointment as interim coach of the Mexico national team in October 2013, tasked with guiding 'El Tri' through a playoff against New Zealand to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. After successfully securing qualification, his role was extended through the tournament, where his passionate touchline antics made him a global sensation, despite Mexico's elimination in the Round of 16.

After his national team role, Herrera returned to club management, including a stint with Club Tijuana (2015-2017) before a second, highly successful period with Club América from 2017 to 2020, where he secured another Liga MX title in 2018. He then managed Tigres UANL from 2021 to 2022 and had a second spell with Club Tijuana from February 2023 to April 2024.

A significant turning point came on January 7, 2025, when Herrera was announced as the new manager of the Costa Rica national team, with the primary objective of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, his tenure was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. On November 20, 2025, Herrera was dismissed after Costa Rica failed to qualify for the World Cup, a setback he described as the worst failure of his 23-year coaching career.

Following his departure from Costa Rica, Herrera confirmed he would work as a television analyst for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His return to club management was announced on April 29, 2026, when he took over as head coach of Atlante for his third spell. This move coincided with Atlante's return to Liga MX for the Apertura 2026 tournament, having secured their place by purchasing the franchise rights from Mazatlán FC. As of October 2026, Herrera is actively managing Atlante in Liga MX, navigating a challenging start to the Apertura 2026 season, and has been vocal in the ongoing debate about promotion and relegation in Mexican football.