Benitez has made a return to management after more than 18 months out of the game. The Spaniard was sacked by Celta Vigo in 2024 and has signed a lucrative contract with the Greek giants that makes him the highest-paid head coach in the history of the Super League by some distance.
The 65-year-old succeeds Rui Vitoria, who was dismissed on 15th September, and he signs a deal until the end of the 2027/28 season. The Greek giants currently sit seventh in the Super League Greece table, eight points adrift of leaders PAOK but with a game in hand, and he will seek to close that gap as soon as possible.
Having spells at Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Everton, as well as a brief stint in China with Dalian Professional, Benitez certainly has the experience necessary to lead the Greek side to the title.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that Benitez agreed the record-breaking £3.47M deal, after meeting with club president Giannis Alafouzos in London this week.
Panathinaikos official statement welcomed the legendary manager who will hope to grab a win this weekend against Asteras Tripolis F.C..
“Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Panathinaikos
“The great Spanish coach takes up his duties immediately
“Panathinaikos FC announces the start of its collaboration with one of the most successful coaches in world football and the top coach to ever come to a Greek team, Rafa Benitez!”