Javier Aguirre: A Steady Hand, Yet to Reach Greatness | OneFootball

Javier Aguirre’s nomination for FIFA’s Best Coach of the Year award is a remarkable milestone, both for him and for Mexican soccer. Competing against names like Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Hansi Flick (Barcelona), Luis Enrique (PSG), Roberto Martínez (Portugal), Arne Slot (Liverpool), and Enzo Maresca (Chelsea), Aguirre stands out for two reasons. One, he’s only one of only two coaches representing a national team. Two (most notably), he is the only nominee outside of UEFA. In a field dominated by managers from Europe’s top clubs, his inclusion highlights the respect he has earned over decades of work in the sport.

Aguirre’s 2025 nomination comes on the heels of Mexico’s Gold Cup triumph. This title, while prestigious, has been achieved by other Mexican coaches before him. Yet, his consistency and experience bring an added weight to his career. Aguirre’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and quiet leadership rather than dramatic flair or tactical revolution.

His Journey

His coaching journey began in the late 1990s, when he led Pachuca — then considered a modest, lower-tier team — to its first Mexican league title. That championship marked a turning point for the club, which has since gone on to win six more league titles. Aguirre’s early success with Pachuca established him as one of Mexico’s most promising coaches and opened the door to opportunities abroad.

In Spain, Aguirre further cemented his reputation. His tenure at Osasuna remains one of the most successful in the club’s history. Under his leadership, Osasuna reached the Copa del Rey final and qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Few Mexican managers have achieved comparable recognition in Europe. Later, at Atlético Madrid, Aguirre’s results were more modest. He was eventually replaced after two and a half seasons, but his impact on Spanish football — especially with smaller clubs — remains undeniable.

With El Tri

For Mexico, Aguirre’s record is solid but not exceptional. He has managed the national team in two World Cups (2002 in Korea-Japan and 2010 in South Africa). Both campaigns followed a familiar pattern: Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 but fell in the fourth match, to the United States and Argentina respectively. His time in charge included both one of Mexico’s most painful World Cup defeats — the 2-0 loss to the U.S. — and one of its more respectable international runs, a runner-up finish in the 2001 Copa América.

Looking ahead, Aguirre is poised to lead Mexico to a third World Cup. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, presents both opportunity and pressure. Playing effectively at home, supported by millions of Mexican fans across North America, Aguirre will have no better stage to make history. Reaching the long-elusive “fifth game” — the World Cup quarterfinal — would finally elevate him from a good coach to a great one.

For now, Javier Aguirre remains a symbol of Mexican coaching excellence: disciplined, experienced, and respected worldwide. Yet his legacy still awaits that defining achievement — the moment that turns a good career into an unforgettable one.