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The 65-year-old Benitez, who previously coached Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Newcastle, was dismissed by Celta Vigo in March 2024 after his team won only five league games.
Rafa Benitez. (X)
Rafa Benitez has been appointed to coach Panathinaikos on a contract that, according to Greek media, is the highest-ever salary for a coach in Greece.
The struggling Athens club, currently seventh in the 14-team Greek Super League, announced on Friday that the well-traveled Spaniard signed a contract reportedly extending until 2027.
Local media reported the deal is worth nearly 4 million euros per season and includes an option to extend for an additional season.
The 65-year-old Benitez, who previously coached Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Newcastle, was dismissed by Celta Vigo in March 2024 after his team won only five league games.
Benitez had been fired by Premier League club Everton after 200 days in early 2022, following his unsuccessful attempt to overcome his previous association with arch-rival Liverpool.
During his tenure at Liverpool, the club won the Champions League title in 2005 in what is famously known as the “Miracle of Istanbul,” reached the final in 2007, and won the FA Cup in 2006.
Benitez was Chelsea’s interim manager when the Blues won the Europa League title in 2013. He led Napoli to victory in the Italian Cup in 2014.
Real Madrid fired Benitez in January 2016 after seven months in charge.
Panathinaikos had fired Rui Vitoria last month, with Christos Kontis serving as interim coach. The team lost 3-1 at Feyenoord on Thursday in the Europa League.
Benitez’s first game in charge will be on Sunday when Panathinaikos hosts last-place Asteras Tripolis.
October 24, 2025, 16:16 IST
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