Unai Emery

Unai Emery is a Spanish football manager who has transitioned from a playing career in Spain’s Segunda División to become one of the world’s leading coaches, notably for his success in the UEFA Europa League. After leading Lorca Deportiva to their first-ever promotion to the Segunda División in his inaugural managerial season in 2005 and earning the Miguel Muñoz Trophy as coach of the season, Unai Emery quickly established himself as a formidable presence in European football. He transitioned into management in 2004, following a playing career as a left-sided midfielder where he accumulated 215 matches and nine goals over seven seasons in Spain’s Segunda División with clubs including Real Sociedad B, Toledo, Racing Ferrol, and Leganés, concluding his playing tenure with Lorca Deportiva in 2004. His early managerial success continued at Almería, guiding them to their first promotion to La Liga in 2007.

He swiftly transformed the team’s fortunes, moving them from a relegation battle to securing UEFA Europa Conference League qualification in his first season. In the 2023-24 season, he further solidified Aston Villa’s position by achieving UEFA Champions League qualification and extending his contract with the club. Emery’s strategic leadership has been recognized with two Premier League Manager of the Month awards in April 2023 and December 2023. He also became the majority shareholder of Real Unión in 2021.