Rafael Marquez, a Barcelona legend, is currently serving as the assistant coach of the Mexican national team.
However, once the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to an end, the former Barcelona defender will replace Javier Aguirre as the head coach of the Mexican team.
It is stipulated in Marquez’s contract, as confirmed by the Mexican football federation. As for Marquez, he considers the Mexico coaching opportunity as an ideal platform to showcase his tactical prowess.
Marquez eyeing a role at Barcelona
In fact, Marquez has recently admitted that although he is focused on succeeding with the Mexican team, his long-term goal is to join Barcelona.
“I wouldn’t diminish the value of the national team and the work you can do in a World Cup, which the whole world sees,” he said (h/t Diario AS), highlighting the scope of the Mexico opportunity.
Rafa Marquez, Barcelona legend
Rafa Marquez will soon become the Mexico coach. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
“Both as an assistant coach now and as a coach in the next World Cup cycle, that’s my main showcase,” he added.
With almost 250 competitive appearances for Barcelona, Marquez was considered one of Barcelona’s defenders no more than a decade and a half ago.
Since then, the Mexican legend has kept close ties with Barcelona, even coaching the Barça Atletic team for two years between 2022 and 2024, before abruptly leaving the team.
Now, the former defender is gunning for the top job at Barcelona, although he has a longer time horizon and any opportunity might not come at least before the next big international event.
Nevertheless, Marquez is clearly interested in the Barcelona opportunity, stating, “I have no doubt that if I do a great job, I could have an opportunity at Barcelona.”