Rafa Benítez Named Panathinaikos Head Coach on Two-Year Deal

Overview

• Panathinaikos announced the appointment on Friday, confirming a contract running for two seasons.
• European press reports put his pay at about £3.5 million per year, the highest for a coach in Greece.
• He replaces Rui Vitória, who was dismissed on September 15 following an uneven league run and a Champions League playoff exit.
• Benítez had been without a club since March 2024, when Celta de Vigo relieved him of his duties.
• Earlier this year he declined Botafogo’s approach, passing on a move to Brazilian football despite being John Textor’s top target.