Former Ballon d'Or winner and 2006 World Cup hero Fabio Cannavaro has been officially appointed as the new coach of Dinamo Zagreb. This nomination, announced by the Croatian club on its social media channels, marks a significant turning point in Dinamo's sports project, which hopes to regain its luster under the guidance of the Real Madrid legend.
At 51, Cannavaro brings varied coaching experience to the table. Before joining Dinamo Zagreb, a Champions League team, Cannavaro had already managed several clubs, including Guangzhou Evergrande (2014-15 and 2017-21), where he achieved significant success, winning multiple titles, such as the Chinese Super Cup. He also had stints at Al Nassr (2015-16) and Tianjin Quanjian (2016-17), gaining valuable experience in international football. Additionally, Cannavaro coached the Chinese national team (2019), Benevento (2022-23), and Udinese (2024).
At Udinese, Cannavaro managed only six matches, with a mixed record of two wins, three draws, and one loss. This return to European football presents an opportunity for him to prove his skills on the old continent.
However, at Dinamo Zagreb, the Real Madrid legend faces a significant challenge. The club is going through a tough period in the championship and currently occupies third place, seven points behind co-leaders Rijeka and Hajduk Split.
Former coach Nenad Bjelica, who took over in September, left the club after a record of five wins, six draws, and four losses in 15 matches. Cannavaro must quickly turn things around and demonstrate leadership to restore confidence within the team.
In addition to the championship, Dinamo Zagreb is competing in the Champions League, fighting to reach the playoffs. Currently, the team occupies 24th place, but only one point separates them from the elimination spots. The upcoming matches against Arsenal (January 22) and Inter (January 29) will be crucial for Cannavaro, especially against his former club, Inter.
Cannavaro's Legacy at Real Madrid
As a player, Cannavaro had an exceptional career. After joining Real Madrid in 2006, following his World Cup victory, he quickly became a pillar of the team. He won two Spanish championships and the Ballon d'Or. His first season at the club was marked by the conquest of the "Liga del Clavo Ardiendo," while his second season saw Real Madrid triumph with the famous "pasillo" of Barcelona.
However, his final season was more challenging, coinciding with the rise of Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. Cannavaro experienced moments of glory, but also significant defeats, like the 2-6 loss at the Bernabéu. These experiences, both positive and negative, will undoubtedly be essential for his new adventure as a coach.