Luis Zubeldía
{{short description|Argentine footballer and coach}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Luis Zubeldía
| image = Luis Zubeldia final primera etapa (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Zubeldía in 2015
| fullname = Luis Francisco Zubeldía
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1981|1|13}}
| birth_place = Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| currentclub = São Paulo (Head coach)
| position = Midfielder
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = General Belgrano
| youthyears2 =
| youthclubs2 = Lanús
| years1 = 1998–2004
| clubs1 = Lanús
| caps1 = 57
| goals1 = 3
| nationalyears1 = 1997
| nationalyears2 = 1999–2001
| nationalteam1 = Argentina U17
| nationalteam2 = Argentina U20
| nationalcaps1 = 12
| nationalcaps2 = 15
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2005–2008
| managerclubs1 = Lanús (assistant)
| manageryears2 = 2008–2010
| managerclubs2 = Lanús
| manageryears3 = 2011–2012
| managerclubs3 = Barcelona SC
| manageryears4 = 2012–2013
| managerclubs4 = Racing Club
| manageryears5 = 2013–2015
| managerclubs5 = LDU Quito
| manageryears6 = 2015–2016
| managerclubs6 = Santos Laguna
| manageryears7 = 2016–2017
| managerclubs7 = Independiente Medellín
| manageryears8 = 2017
| managerclubs8 = Alavés
| manageryears9 = 2018
| managerclubs9 = Cerro Porteño
| manageryears10 = 2018–2021
| managerclubs10 = Lanús
| manageryears11 = 2022–2024
| managerclubs11 = LDU Quito
| manageryears12 = 2024–
| managerclubs12 = São Paulo
}}
Luis Francisco Zubeldía (born 13 January 1981) is an Argentine football manager and former player. He is currently the head coach of Brazilian club São Paulo.
A former midfielder, Zubeldía's career was mainly associated to Club Atlético Lanús, where he played as a senior and managed the club in two different spells. He was known for being the youngest person to be in charge of an Argentine first division team.
Playing career
=Club=
Born in Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Zubeldía started playing with hometown side General Belgrano, before being spotted by José Pékerman and being taken on a trial period for the Argentine youth sides.{{cite web|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/ecuador/liga-pro/luis-zubeldia-liga-quito-ecuador-promesa-lesion-director-tecnico_0_C6l2A2Pfvz.html|title=Luis Zubeldía: de la promesa que se retiró muy joven por lesión al DT consolidado|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía: from the prospect who retired at early age due to injury to the established manager|publisher=Olé|language=es|date=25 October 2023|accessdate=20 April 2024}} After attracting the interest of several clubs, he chose to join Lanús, as according to himself, "his school was near the club".
Zubeldía made his first team debut for Lanús on 30 October 1998, in a 2–2 home draw against Independiente. He made 57 appearances, scoring 3 goals. In 2004, he retired from football at 23 years of age due to a osteochondritis dissecans of his knee.{{cite web|url=https://www.tycsports.com/liga-profesional-de-futbol/luis-zubeldia-la-gran-promesa-que-debio-retirarse-a-los-23-anos-y-tiene-un-record-historico-en-el-futbol-argentino-id487119.html|title=Luis Zubeldía, la gran promesa que debió retirarse a los 23 años y tiene un récord histórico en el fútbol argentino|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía, the big prospect who had to retire at the age of 23 and has a historical record in Argentine football|publisher=TyC Sports|language=es|date=17 January 2023|accessdate=20 April 2024}}
=International=
Zubeldía represented Argentina at under-17 and under-20 levels. He played for the former in the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship, and the latter in the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2001 South American U-20 Championship.
Managing career
=Lanús=
After retiring, Zubeldía joined the staff of Ramón Cabrero at his main club Lanús, as an assistant. In June 2008, he was announced as manager of the club in the place of Cabrero; at the age of 27, making him the youngest coach in the history of the Argentine Primera División.
After leading the team to fourth place in the 2008 Apertura Tournament and qualifying to the 2009 Copa Libertadores, Lanús' Zubeldía ended the 2009 Clausura Tournament in third place. Under his technical leadership, Lanus finished the 2008–09 season with a total of 75 points, the best record in club's history so far.
On 15 November 2010, Zubeldía resigned and was replaced by Gabriel Schürrer.{{cite web|url=https://www.clarin.com/deportes/Zubeldia-DT-Lanus_0_Sydw_L9aDXl.html|title=Zubeldía no es más el DT de Lanús|trans-title=Zubeldía is no longer manager of Lanús|publisher=Clarín|language=es|date=15 November 2010|accessdate=20 April 2024}}
=Barcelona SC=
On 24 June 2011, Zubeldía moved abroad and took over Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC, signing an 18-month contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2011/06/24/1/1372/luis-zubeldia-nuevo-tecnico-torero.html/|title=Luis Zubeldía es el DT canario|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía is the new manager canario|publisher=El Universo|language=es|date=24 June 2011|accessdate=20 April 2024}} On 8 April 2012, after a 1–1 tie against LDU Quito, the president of Barcelona, Antonio Noboa, entered the dressing rooms, having a strong discussion with the young coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.elfutbolero.com.ec/ligaproa/8-anos-despues-Luis-Zubeldia-revela-que-le-hizo-Antonio-Noboa-y-que-provoco-que-casi-le-pegara-20200820-0009.html|title=8 años después Luis Zubeldía revela que le hizo Antonio Noboa y que provocó que casi le pegara|trans-title=8 years later Luis Zubeldía reveals what Antonio Noboa did to him and what made him nearly fight him|publisher=El Futbolero|language=es|date=5 August 2021|accessdate=20 April 2024}} Zubeldía then gave a press conference in the following day announcing his resignation from Barcelona, which stated:
{{Quote box | width=100% | align=left | quote= "The president made a comment that I believe was disoriented, I did everything possible not to react, but I reacted as any person of character would have reacted. It did not escalate, but respect was broken. Leaving that to the side and not being ego-centric, I choose to step aside for the benefit of the institution, because if the coach and the trainer don't respect each other, there's no project that could work. I would have liked to be in the photo of the winner of the stage, I wish the best to the next trainer, who has the most important thing, the raw materials."|source={{cite web|url=https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/zoo/1/altercado-entre-antonio-noboa-y-luis-zubeldia-deja-sin-dt-a-barcelona|title=Altercado entre Antonio Noboa y Luis Zubeldía deja sin DT a Barcelona|trans-title=Altercation between Antonio Noboa and Luis Zubeldía leave Barcelona managerless|publisher=El Telégrafo|language=es|date=10 April 2012|accessdate=21 April 2024}}}}
Zubeldía's replacement was his compatriot Gustavo Costas, which led Barcelona to the 2012 Serie A title after 15 years. Zubeldía was recognized for his role in putting together the team that won the championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/futbol/luis-zubeldia-puso-mano-equipo.html|title=Luis Zubeldía también puso su mano en el equipo|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía also had his hands in the team|publisher=El Comercio|language=es|date=30 November 2012|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Racing Club=
On 15 April 2012, Zubeldía returned to his home country after being appointed manager of Racing Club, replacing Alfio Basile.{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/noticias/nota?s=arg&id=1504302&type=story|title=Zubeldía es el nuevo DT de Racing|trans-title=Zubeldía is the new manager of Racing|publisher=ESPN Deportes|language=es|date=15 April 2012|accessdate=21 April 2024}} He led the club to the 2012 Copa Argentina Final, losing 2–1 to Boca Juniors.
Zubeldía provided the first team debuts of several youth players which would later establish themselves as regular starters, such as Ricardo Centurión, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Fariña and Luciano Vietto.{{cite web|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/racing/titulo_0_rkyZl6Hksng.html|title=El Zub 23|publisher=Olé|language=es|date=5 April 2013|accessdate=21 April 2024}} He led the club to a fifth place in the 2012 Torneo Inicial, and to a sixth position in the 2013 Torneo Final.
On 25 August 2013, Zubeldía was sacked from Racing, after a poor start of the 2013–14 campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.racingclub.com.ar/plantel/nota/2013/08/1826_luis-zubeldia-dejo-de-ser-el-entrenador-de-racing/|title=Luis Zubeldía dejó de ser el entrenador de Racing|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía ceased to be the manager of Racing|publisher=Racing Club Avellaneda|language=es|date=25 August 2013|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=LDU Quito=
File:Luis Zubeldia final primera etapa.JPG in 2015]]
On 26 November 2013, Zubeldía returned to Ecuador to replace Edgardo Bauza at the helm of LDU Quito.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/futbol/luis-zubeldia-nuevo-dt-liga.html|title=Luis Zubeldía es el nuevo DT de Liga de Quito|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía is the new manager of Liga de Quito|publisher=El Comercio|language=es|date=26 November 2013|accessdate=21 April 2024}} On 20 December 2014, he renewed his contract with the club for a further year.{{cite web|url=https://mifutbolecuador.futbol/2014/12/20/luis-zubeldia-continuaria-al-frente-de-liga-de-quito/|title=Luis Zubeldía continuará al frente de Liga de Quito|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía will continue ahead of Liga de Quito|publisher=Mi Fútbol Ecuatoriano|language=es|date=20 December 2014|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
In the 2015 season, Zubeldía led LDU to the first place in the First Stage, but left on 21 December of that year after losing the finals to Emelec.{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/deportes/2015/12/21/nota/5310102/zubeldia-se-va-liga-quito-manos-vacias/|title=Luis Zubeldía se va de Liga de Quito con las manos vacías|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía leaves Liga de Quito empty-handed|publisher=El Universo|language=es|date=21 December 2015|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Santos Laguna=
On 28 November 2015, Zubeldía was announced at Liga MX side Santos Laguna as their manager for the 2016 Clausura tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/futbol/futbol-mexico-santoslaguna-confirmo-luiszubeldia.html|title=Santos Laguna confirmó a Luis Zubeldía como el estratega para 2016|trans-title=Santos Laguna confirmed Luis Zubeldía as manager for 2016|publisher=El Comercio|language=es|date=28 November 2015|accessdate=21 April 2024}} He reached the 2016 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals with the club, being eliminated by Club América on extra time.
On 15 August 2016, after only two draws in the first five matches of the Apertura tournament, Zubeldía was dismissed.{{cite web|url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/santos-laguna/luis-zubeldia-fue-cesado-de-la-direccion-tecnica-de-santos-laguna|title=Luis Zubeldía fue cesado de la dirección técnica de Santos Laguna|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía was sacked from the technical direction of Santos Laguna|publisher=TUDN|language=es|date=16 August 2016|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Independiente Medellín=
On 14 December 2016, Zubeldía switched teams and countries again, after taking over Independiente Medellín of the Categoría Primera A.{{cite web|url=https://colombia.as.com/colombia/2016/12/14/futbol/1481742353_701714.html|title=Luis Zubeldía es el nuevo técnico del Independiente Medellín|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía is the new manager of Independiente Medellín|publisher=Diario AS|language=es|date=14 December 2016|accessdate=21 April 2024}} The following 6 June, after the club's elimination in the 2017 Apertura quarterfinals, he resigned.{{cite web|url=https://www.elespectador.com/deportes/futbol-colombiano/otros-equipos/luis-zubeldia-renuncio-a-la-direccion-tecnica-del-medellin-article-697186/|title=Luis Zubeldía renunció a la dirección técnica del Medellín|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía resigned from the technical direction of Medellín|publisher=El Espectador|language=es|date=6 June 2017|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Deportivo Alavés=
On 16 June 2017, Zubeldía moved to Europe after being appointed manager of Deportivo Alavés of the Spanish La Liga, signing a one-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.deportivoalaves.com/es/noticias/el-deportivo-alaves-ficha-a-luis-zubeldia-como-entrenador-1|title=El Deportivo Alavés ficha a Luis Zubeldía como entrenador|trans-title=Deportivo Alavés sign Luis Zubeldía as manager|publisher=Deportivo Alavés|language=es|date=16 June 2017|accessdate=21 April 2024}} He was relieved from his duties on 17 September, after losing the first four matches of the campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.deportivoalaves.com/es/noticias/luis-zubeldia-deja-de-ser-tecnico-del-deportivo-alaves|title=Luis Zubeldía deja de ser técnico del Deportivo Alavés|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía ceases to be manager of Deportivo Alavés|publisher=Deportivo Alavés|language=es|date=17 September 2017|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Cerro Porteño=
On 3 February 2018, Zebeldía replaced Leonel Álvarez at the helm of Paraguayan Primera División side Cerro Porteño.{{cite web|url=https://www.tycsports.com/futbol/luis-zubeldia-nuevo-dt-de-cerro-porteno.html|title=Luis Zubeldía, nuevo DT de Cerro Porteño|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía, new manager of Cerro Porteño|publisher=TyC Sports|language=es|date=3 February 2018|accessdate=21 April 2024}} On 20 August, he was sacked and subsequently replaced by Fernando Jubero.{{cite web|url=https://www.lanacion.com.py/deportes/deportefutbol/2018/08/20/el-fin-e-inicio-de-otra-era-mas-se-fue-zubeldia-y-llega-jubero/|title=El fin e inicio de otra era más: Se fue Zubeldía y llega Jubero|trans-title=The end and the start of another era: Zubeldía left and Jubero arrives|publisher=La Nación|language=es|date=20 August 2018|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Return to Lanús=
On 31 August 2018, Lanús president Nicolás Russo announced the return of Zubeldía as manager of the club,{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/argentina/nota/_/id/4709511/luis-zubeldia-vuelve-a-ser-tecnico-de-lanus|title=Luis Zubeldía vuelve a ser técnico de Lanús|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía returns to be the manager of Lanús|publisher=ESPN Deportes|language=es|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=21 April 2024}} with the official announcement occurring on 3 September.{{cite web|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/lanus/lanuszubeldiaentrenadornuevo_0_BJYqg1jPm.html|title="Es un placer volver a casa"|trans-title="It is a pleasure to return home"|publisher=Olé|language=es|date=3 September 2018|accessdate=21 April 2024}} He reached the 2020 Copa Sudamericana final with the club, but lost 3–0 to Defensa y Justicia.
On 2 December 2021, Zubeldía confirmed that he would leave Lanús at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.tycsports.com/san-lorenzo/luis-zubeldia-lanus-conferencia-se-va-san-lorenzo-id396006.html|title=Luis Zubeldía confirmó que se va de Lanús: ¿asume en San Lorenzo?|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía confirmed that he will leave Lanús: does he take over San Lorenzo?|publisher=TyC Sports|language=es|date=2 December 2021|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
=Return to LDU Quito=
On 22 April 2022, LDU confirmed the return of Zubeldía as manager of the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/futbol/liga-luis-zubeldia-tecnico-oficial.html|title=Luis Zubeldía dirigirá otra vez a Liga de Quito|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía will manage Liga de Quito again|publisher=El Comercio|language=es|date=22 April 2022|accessdate=21 April 2024}} He won his first professional title of his career on 28 October 2023, lifting the 2023 Copa Sudamericana after a 1–1 draw (4–3 penalty win) against Fortaleza.{{cite web|url=https://www.primicias.ec/noticias/jugada/luis-zubeldia-titulos-derrotas-liga-sudamericana/|title=Luis Zubeldía por fin deja atrás su fama de 'casi campeón'|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía finally leaves behind his fame of 'nearly champion'|publisher=Primicias|language=es|date=28 October 2023|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
On 17 December 2023, Zubeldía's side won the 2023 Serie A after another penalty win, now over Independiente del Valle.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.ar/futbol/ecuador/nota/_/id/13006805/liga-de-quito-se-corono-campeon-de-la-ligapro-de-ecuador|title=Liga de Quito venció por penales a Independiente del Valle y se coronó campeón de la LigaPro|trans-title=Liga de Quito defeated Independiente del Valle on penalties and crowned champions of the LigaPro|publisher=ESPN|language=es|date=17 December 2023|accessdate=21 April 2024}} Despite the club's attempts for a contract renewal, LDU's president confirmed his departure on 4 January 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/deportes/campeonato-ecuatoriano/se-termina-la-era-de-luis-zubeldia-en-liga-de-quito-presidente-de-los-albos-confirma-que-el-tecnico-no-continuara-en-el-club-nota/|title=Se termina la era de Luis Zubeldía en Liga de Quito: presidente de los albos confirma que el técnico no continuará en el club|trans-title=The Luis Zubeldía era at Liga de Quito ends: the whites′s president confirms that the coach will not continue in the club|publisher=El Universo|language=es|date=4 January 2024|access-date=5 January 2024}}
=São Paulo=
On 20 April 2024, Zubeldía was announced as head coach of Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side São Paulo, signing a contract until December 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.saopaulofc.net/luis-zubeldia-e-o-novo-tecnico-do-sao-paulo/|title=Luis Zubeldía é o novo técnico do São Paulo|trans-title=Luis Zubeldía is the new head coach of São Paulo|publisher=São Paulo FC|language=pt-BR|date=20 April 2024|accessdate=20 April 2024}}
Personal life
Zubeldía's older brothers Gustavo and Juan are also involved in football: the former worked with him at Lanús as a fitness coach, later working under the same capacity at several clubs, and the latter was also a footballer and a midfielder, later becoming a manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.futbolecuador.com/site/noticia/luis-zubeldia-confiesa-lo-que-vive-antes-de-enfrentarse-con-sus-hermanos-gustavo-y-juan-por-la-copa-de-campeones-edgardo-bauza/152978?fromt=yes|title="Será especial... Mis hermanos están en D. Cuenca y nos va a ver Mamá" (VIDEO)|trans-title="It wil be special... My brothers are at D. Cuenca and mother will come to see us" (VIDEO)|publisher=Futbol Ecuador|language=es|date=14 February 2023|accessdate=21 April 2024}}
Career statistics
=Club=
=Managerial=
{{updated|23 April 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure |
| rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|Nat !rowspan="2"|From !rowspan="2"|To !colspan="9"|Record |
|---|
| {{Tooltip|G|Games managed}}
!{{Tooltip|W|Games won}} !{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}} !{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}} !{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}} !{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}} !{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}} !{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}} |
| align=left|Lanús
|{{Flagicon|Argentina}} |align=left|15 June 2008 |align=left|15 November 2010 {{WDL|105|48|27|30|for=145|against=128|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Barcelona SC
|{{Flagicon|Ecuador}} |align=left|24 June 2011 |align=left|10 April 2012 {{WDL|32|16|9|7|for=43|against=27|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Racing Club
|{{Flagicon|Argentina}} |align=left|15 April 2012 |align=left|25 August 2013 {{WDL|60|22|14|24|for=69|against=64|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|LDU Quito
|{{Flagicon|Ecuador}} |align=left|26 November 2013 |align=left|21 December 2015 {{WDL|96|47|29|20|for=135|against=86|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Santos Laguna
|{{Flagicon|Mexico}} |align=left|22 December 2015 |align=left|15 August 2016 {{WDL|34|12|9|13|for=44|against=40|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Independiente Medellín
|{{Flagicon|Colombia}} |align=left|14 December 2016 |align=left|6 June 2017 {{WDL|28|17|3|8|for=47|against=36|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Alavés
|{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|16 June 2017 |align=left|17 September 2017 {{WDL|4|0|0|4|for=0|against=7|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Cerro Porteño
|{{Flagicon|Paraguay}} |align=left|5 February 2018 |align=left|20 August 2018 {{WDL|36|25|8|3|for=69|against=36|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|Lanús
|{{Flagicon|Argentina}} |align=left|3 September 2018 |align=left|12 December 2021 {{WDL|122|53|28|41|for=181|against=167|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|LDU Quito
|{{Flagicon|Ecuador}} |align=left|22 April 2022 |align=left|10 January 2024 {{WDL|71|37|23|11|for=114|against=60|diff=yes}} |
| align=left|São Paulo
|{{Flagicon|Brazil}} |align=left|20 April 2024 |align=left|present {{WDL|69|32|22|15|for=93|against=61|diff=yes}} |
| colspan="4"|Total
{{WDLtot|657|309|172|176|for=940|against=712|diff=yes}} |
Honours
=Manager=
LDU Quito
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{BDFA|LUIS-FRANCISCO-ZUBELDIA-387}}
{{São Paulo FC squad}}
{{Campeonato Brasileiro Série A managers}}
{{Copa Sudamericana winning managers}}
{{Navboxes top|title=Luis Zubeldía managerial positions}}
{{Lanús managers}}
{{Barcelona SC managers}}
{{Racing Club managers}}
{{LDU Quito managers}}
{{Santos Laguna managers}}
{{Independiente Medellín managers}}
{{Deportivo Alavés managers}}
{{Cerro Porteño managers}}
{{São Paulo FC managers}}
{{Navboxes bottom}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zubeldia, Luis}}
Category:Footballers from Santa Rosa, La Pampa
Category:Argentine people of Basque descent
Category:Argentine men's footballers
Category:Argentina men's under-20 international footballers
Category:Argentina men's youth international footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Argentine Primera División players
Category:Club Atlético Lanús footballers
Category:Argentine football managers
Category:Club Atlético Lanús managers
Category:Barcelona S.C. managers
Category:L.D.U. Quito managers
Category:Independiente Medellín managers
Category:Deportivo Alavés managers
Category:Cerro Porteño managers
Category:São Paulo FC managers
Category:Argentine Primera División managers
Category:Categoría Primera A managers
Category:Paraguayan Primera División managers
Category:Argentine expatriate football managers
Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A managers
Category:Expatriate football managers in Spain
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Spain
Category:Expatriate football managers in Brazil
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Brazil