1960 April 16th
Birth of Rafael Benítez
Rafael Benítez Maudes is born in Madrid before building a coaching career that will take him across Spain, England and Italy.
Football history · Individual timeline
Rafael Benítez
20 historical football records.
1974
Real Madrid Youth Midfield
Benítez enters Real Madrid's youth structure and develops as a midfield player before injuries redirect his ambitions toward coaching.
1986
Real Madrid Youth Coaching Begins
Benítez takes up coaching work in Real Madrid's youth set-up, developing his knowledge of training design and match preparation.
1993
Real Madrid Reserve-Team Coach
Benítez takes charge of Real Madrid Castilla, gaining experience directing reserve players within the club's senior football structure.
1995
Valladolid First Senior Coaching Job
Real Valladolid appoint Benítez as first-team manager, offering him his first managerial opportunity in Spain's top flight.
1996
Osasuna Coaching Spell
Benítez takes charge of Osasuna in the Segunda División, continuing to develop as a senior manager after his Valladolid period.
1997
Extremadura Promotion Challenge
Benítez becomes manager of Extremadura and begins shaping the squad for a promotion push in the Spanish second tier.
1998
Extremadura Wins La Liga Promotion
Benítez earns promotion to the Spanish First Division with Extremadura, establishing his credentials as a manager capable of rebuilding a team.
2000
Tenerife Returns to First Division
Benítez takes over Tenerife and guides the club toward a promotion campaign after a spell away from club management.
2010
Inter Milan Appointment
Inter appoint Benítez after José Mourinho's departure, tasking him with leading the reigning European champions.
2011
Benítez Studies Coaching After Inter
Benítez spends time away from frontline management after his departure from Inter, continuing to analyse tactics and football development.
2012 November 21st
Chelsea Interim Manager Appointment
Chelsea appoint Benítez as interim manager after Roberto Di Matteo's departure, beginning a contentious but trophy-winning spell.
2014 December 22nd
Napoli Wins Italian Super Cup
Benítez's Napoli defeat Juventus after a 2–2 draw and lengthy penalty shootout to secure the Italian Super Cup.
2015 June 3rd
Real Madrid Coaching Appointment
Real Madrid name Benítez as head coach after his Napoli period, returning him to a club where he began coaching youth teams.
2016 March 11th
Newcastle Appoints Benítez
Benítez takes over Newcastle United late in a relegation battle and immediately begins reorganising the team's defensive structure.
2019
Dalian Professional Coaching Appointment
Benítez takes charge of Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League after leaving Newcastle United.
2021 June 30th
Everton Appoints Former Liverpool Boss
Everton name Benítez as manager in a controversial cross-city appointment because of his previous spell with Liverpool.
2022 January 16th
Everton Tenure Ends
Everton dismiss Benítez after a difficult run of Premier League results brings an early end to his tenure.
2023
Celta Vigo Appointment
Celta Vigo appoint Benítez to take charge of the Galician club as it prepares for its centenary season.
2024
Celta Vigo Coaching Departure
Benítez leaves Celta Vigo after an unsuccessful league campaign, bringing another La Liga managerial spell to a close.