Panathinaikos Hire Former Liverpool and Real Madrid Boss Rafael Benítez

Panathinaikos have named former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafael Benítez as their new head coach, the Greek club confirmed on Friday. The 65-year-old Spaniard takes over from Christos Kontis, who was dismissed following Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League defeat to Feyenoord.

Greek media report that Benítez has signed a two-year deal with the Athens-based club, with an option to extend for a further year. The contract is reportedly worth around €4 million ($4.66 million) per season, making it the highest salary ever paid to a coach in the Greek top flight.

Benítez, most recently at Celta Vigo—where he was sacked in March 2024 after eight months in charge—brings a wealth of experience at the highest level. He famously led Liverpool to the 2005 Champions League title and Chelsea to the 2013 Europa League crown, in addition to domestic and European successes with Valencia, Inter Milan, and Napoli.

The Spaniard faces the task of revitalizing Panathinaikos, who currently sit seventh in the Greek Super League. The 20-time Greek champions have also struggled in the Europa League, suffering consecutive defeats after winning their opening group-stage match.