Breaking: Club América Officially Appoints Guillermo Almada as New Head Coach | OneFootball

The rumors are over.

América has officially announced the arrival of Guillermo Almada as its new head coach for the Apertura 2026 tournament, ushering in a new era following the departure of the historic André Jardine from the Azulcrema bench after three years at the club, a period that produced multiple trophies, including a remarkable three consecutive Liga MX titles.

Through its social media channels, the club confirmed the hiring of the Uruguayan manager with a message that quickly sparked reactions among supporters.

“The pursuit of greatness is built every day. Today, a new chapter begins. Welcome to Club América, Guillermo Almada.”

With this move, Las Águilas place one of the most successful managers in Liga MX over the past decade in charge of a project that comes with enormous expectations: keeping América competing for every trophy available.

Rough Ride at Real Oviedo

Almada arrives after managing Real Oviedo in Spain’s LaLiga, where he failed to achieve the objective of keeping the club in the top flight, ultimately suffering relegation to the second division. The Uruguayan won only four of the 22 matches he managed in Spain’s first division, while drawing seven and losing eleven.

It was something of a reality check for a coach who had previously been considered a candidate to manage the Mexican national team and who now arrives at the most successful club in Mexican football.

Then again, apparently managing the worst team in Spain and taking them down to the second division can still provide enough credentials to land a job with one of Mexico’s giants—largely because of what Almada accomplished in the past, perhaps especially with Pachuca, whose ownership group also controls Oviedo.

Before arriving at Oviedo, Almada coached Real Valladolid in Spain’s second division, posting a record of six wins, six draws and six losses.

A Familiar Face Returns to Liga MX

América’s board opted for a profile that knows Mexican football inside and out.

Almada left a significant mark during his time with Santos Laguna and Pachuca, where he built competitive teams through an attacking, high-intensity style of play and a strong commitment to developing young talent.

His work at both clubs made him one of the most sought-after managers on the market before he finally received the opportunity to coach the most high-profile club in the country.

As head coach of Pachuca, Guillermo Almada won two official titles: the Apertura 2022 Liga MX championship and the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The Challenge of Replacing André Jardine

The task ahead will not be easy.

Almada arrives to replace André Jardine, a manager who defined a recent era at América and oversaw one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Because of that, the Uruguayan inherits a squad accustomed to competing for championships and a fan base that demands immediate results.

América Begins a New Era

The Apertura 2026 season will kick off on July 16, giving the new coach very little time to implement his ideas and work with the front office on transfer market decisions.

What is certain is that América now has a new leader on the touchline.

After weeks of uncertainty, Guillermo Almada has officially arrived in Coapa to begin a new era with Las Águilas.

The Uruguayan will need to get to work immediately on planning for the upcoming season, a campaign in which the club must provide him with the tools necessary to lead this restructuring process. After all, 2025 and the first half of 2026 ended without trophies, and much of the squad no longer resembled the intimidating machine that once captured three consecutive league titles.

In his farewell, Jardine commented that despite América’s considerable financial power, the club had to direct most of its resources toward the renovation of Estadio Azteca—now known as Estadio Banorte—which meant he was not provided with all the reinforcements and resources he felt were necessary to restore the team to its previous level of competitiveness.

A new chapter begins this Sunday in Coapa.

The expectations remain enormous. The pressure remains relentless.

And now, it belongs to Guillermo Almada.

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