The World Cup-winning captain in Uzbekistan, the Premier League cult hero managing Pakistan, and the Man United treble winner in charge of Trinidad and Tobago: The legends managing in the most unexpected roles

When a footballer retires, many fans wonder about the next step in their career. For most, finding a new job within the game seems to be the most natural route – so it is no surprise when a player goes on to try their hand at management.

However, not all stars follow the path of coaching top clubs or one of their former sides. Some take the road less travelled, venturing into areas far removed from the glitz and glamour of Europe’s biggest leagues.

Some appear where you least expect but with the biggest World Cup ever this summer you may well recognise a few faces you haven’t seen for a while.

Here are some of the best examples of ex-players in unexpected roles as head coach….

Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan)

Fabio Cannavaro is widely regarded as one of the greatest centre backs of all time. The Italian defender captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and is one of just three defenders to have won the Ballon d’Or trophy.

Cannavaro enjoyed stints at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Juventus and Real Madrid. However, in retirement, he chose a path few would have predicted – taking charge of Uzbekistan for their first ever World Cup.

Cannavaro’s appointment came despite the fact that Uzbek-born Timur Kapadze led the nation to qualify for its first ever World Cup tournament.

Signing a two-year-contract for the White Wolves, Cannavaro will be hoping that his bold move results in success for the Central Asian country.

Nolberto Solano (Pakistan)

Nolberto Solano – better known as Nobby – is considered a cult hero by Newcastle United fans, who remember him for his impressive left foot and love of playing the trumpet.

However, since retiring, Solano has hung up the boots and placed the trumpet to one side to try his hand in management. Having taken charge of several clubs since retiring in 2012, Solano’s most recent step into the managerial role of Pakistan has surprised many.

Pakistan, who are ranked 199th in the FIFA world rankings at the time of writing, aspire to qualify for the 2030 World Cup, but are also focused on establishing professional domestic leagues for both men and women in the meantime.

Solano’s first task was to lead Pakistan’s Under 23 side into the U23 Asian Cup, however, following an 8-1 defeat to Iraq, and subsequent defeats to Cambodia and Oman, it is clear that a big task lies ahead for the Peruvian.

Benni McCarthy (Kenya)

Benni McCarthy’s playing career was decorated with high-profile achievements, including winning the Champions League with Porto, a league title with Ajax, and successful spells in the Premier League with Blackburn and West Ham. Following his retirement in 2013, McCarthy took on a number of coaching roles, including the position of a first-team striker’s coach at Manchester United from 2022-2024.

Since March 2025, McCarthy has been the head coach of Kenya, a team with a history consisting of suspensions from international football in 2004 and 2006 and from the African Cup of Nations in 2023.

Currently sitting 113th in the FIFA world rankings and having never qualified for the World Cup, Kenya will be hoping that the experienced McCarthy can lead them to success on the international stage at some point.

Dwight Yorke (Trinidad and Tobago)

Dwight Yorke is mainly remembered as a Manchester United treble winner, for his deadly partnership with Andy Cole and his off-the-pitch partying which earned him the nickname ‘all-night Dwight’.

However, Yorke’s post-playing career has seen him demonstrate his professionalism, taking on the head coach role of his home nation Trinidad and Tobago.

As a player Yorke was part of an exciting Trinidad and Tobago team that qualified for the 2006 World Cup. Following his transition into a manager, Yorke has returned home to take charge of the side, bringing his world-class experience with him.

Despite the relative obscurity of Caribbean football on the global stage, Yorke is determined to make an impact. His Premier League pedigree and experience on the international stage allows him to instill ambition and optimism in his squad.

Stern John (St Lucia)

Fellow Trinidad and Tobago legend Stern John was once one of the most prolific strikers in Major League Soccer and enjoyed stints in England with several clubs, including Nottingham Forrest and Crystal Palace.

John is currently the manager of Caribbean Island country St. Lucia’s national team. Despite being a member of CONCACAF – the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean, since 1986, the team has never qualified for the Gold Cup.

Having guided the club to a six-place rise in the FIFA rankings, John- who appeared at the 2006 World Cup with Trinidad & Tobago – will be looking to elevate the small Caribbean island on the international stage.

Sylvinho (Albania)

Sylvinho, the former Brazilian international – who played for European giants Arsenal, Barcelona, and Inter Milan – is the current head coach of Albania.

Known for his defensive intelligence and attacking full-back runs as a player, he is now bringing his tactical acumen to a national side eager to punch above its weight in Europe.

Adding extra firepower to Sylvinho’s setup is former Premier League winner Pablo Zabaleta, who is part of his coaching staff. Zabaleta brings crucial insight to the Albania players, thanks to his experience playing at the highest level.

Having guided Albania to the group stage of the 2024 Euro Championship, Sylvinho will be looking to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with a crucial qualifying match taking place against Poland next March.