Stephen Constantine
{{Short description|English football manager (born 1962)}}
{{About|a football manager|the medieval Serbian ruler|Stefan Konstantin|the British historian|Stephen Constantine (historian)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox football biography
|name = Stephen Constantine
|image = Iran vs. India - 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, Stephen Constantine.jpg
|caption = Constantine as India manager in 2018
|fullname =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|10|16|df=y}}
|birth_place = London, England
|height =
|position =
|currentclub = Pakistan (manager)
|youthyears1 =
|youthclubs1 =
|years1 =
|clubs1 = Pennsylvania Stoners
|caps1 =
|goals1 =
|years2 =
|clubs2 = New York Pancyprian-Freedoms
|caps2 =
|goals2 =
|totalcaps =
|totalgoals =
|manageryears1 = 1999–2001
|managerclubs1 = Nepal
|manageryears2 = 2002–2005
|managerclubs2 = India
|manageryears3 = 2007–2008
|managerclubs3 = Malawi
|manageryears4 = 2009–2010
|managerclubs4 = Sudan
|manageryears5 = 2010
|managerclubs5 = APEP
|manageryears6 = 2010–2012
|managerclubs6 = Nea Salamis
|manageryears7 = 2012–2013
|managerclubs7 = Ethnikos Achna
|manageryears8 = 2013–2014
|managerclubs8 = Apollon Smyrni (assistant manager)
|manageryears9 = 2014–2015
|managerclubs9 = Rwanda
|manageryears10 = 2015–2019
|managerclubs10 = India
|manageryears11 = 2021
|managerclubs11 = Pafos
|manageryears12 = 2022–2023
|managerclubs12 = East Bengal
|manageryears13 = 2023–2024
|managerclubs13 = Pakistan
|manageryears14 = 2025
|managerclubs14 = Pakistan
|manageryears15 = 2025–
|managerclubs15 = Pakistan
}}
Stephen Constantine (born 16 October 1962) is an English professional football coach and former player who is the manager of the Pakistan national football team.
Early and personal life
Constantine was born on 16 October 1962 in London.{{cite web|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/brits-abroad-six-coaches-isles-never-heard-165706548.html|title=Brits abroad: Six coaches from these isles you've never heard of|date=10 April 2013|access-date=2 January 2015|publisher=Eurosport|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151425/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/brits-abroad-six-coaches-isles-never-heard-165706548.html|url-status=live}} He is of Greek-Cypriot descent. He is a fan of English club Arsenal. Constantine is married and has three daughters; his family were living in Cyprus while he was coaching in Sudan.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970204005504574232143660633948?mod=wsj_share_goog&mg=reno64-wsj|title=The Coach of Lost Causes|date=19 June 2009|access-date=8 December 2014|author=Jeff D. Opdyke|publisher=Wall Street Journal|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402233551/http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970204005504574232143660633948?mod=wsj_share_goog&mg=reno64-wsj|url-status=live}}
Playing career
Constantine played in the United States for the Pennsylvania Stoners and the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms.{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/2010/09/10-questions-with-stephen-constantine.html|title=10 Questions With... Stephen Constantine|date=30 September 2010|access-date=8 December 2014|author=Clemente Lisi|publisher=US Soccer Players|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075324/https://ussoccerplayers.com/2010/09/10-questions-with-stephen-constantine.html|url-status=live}} He retired from playing at the age of 26, following a serious knee injury.
Coaching career
= Nepal =
Constantine coached the Nepal national team between 1999 and 2001. He led the national side to the runners-up position at the 1999 South Asian Games. The next year, he was awarded the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu award by the country's King.{{Cite web |date=30 November 2000 |title=Football: Nepal coach on top of the world |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/6787653.football-nepal-coach-on-top-of-the-world/ |access-date=5 October 2024 |website=The Argus |language=en}}
= India =
Constantine was then manager of the India national team from 2002 to 2005.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3283523.stm|title=Constantine's rising stock|date=19 November 2003|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Stuart Roach|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=21 November 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031121152646/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3283523.stm|url-status=live}} He also guided the Indian team winning silver medal at the 2003 Afro-Asian Games.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafrgam01.html|title=Afro-Asian Games 2003|access-date=20 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928130141/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafrgam01.html|archive-date=28 September 2022|website=RSSSF|first1=Arunava|last1=Chaudhuri|first2=Karel|last2=Stokkermans|date=2001}} After leaving India he was the first-team coach for English club Millwall during the 2005–06 season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/4528378.stm|title=Passage from India|date=14 December 2005|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Ian Hughes|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=21 December 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051221102041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/4528378.stm|url-status=live}} He has also worked in England for AFC Bournemouth.
= Malawi =
In January 2007, he was on a two-man shortlist, alongside Carlos Alberto da Luz, for the manager's job of the Malawi national team.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6279079.stm|title=Two in frame for Malawi job|date=19 January 2007|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Aubrey Sumbuleta|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=22 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122105659/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6279079.stm|url-status=live}} He was named as Malawi manager in February 2007, with the role beginning on 1 March 2007.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6323801.stm|title=Constantine named as Malawi coach|date=2 February 2007|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Aubrey Sumbuleta|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207231319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6323801.stm|url-status=live}} He resigned in April 2008.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7352235.stm|title=Constantine dumps Malawi|date=17 April 2008|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Aubrey Sumbuleta|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075345/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/7352235.stm|url-status=live}}
= Sudan =
He became manager of the Sudan national team in February 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1647/wcq-africa/2009/02/16/1111410/exclusive-sudan-appoint-stephen-constantine-as-national-coach|title=Exclusive: Sudan Appoint Stephen Constantine As National Coach|date=15 February 2009|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Rahul Bali|publisher=Goal.com|archive-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302053354/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1647/wcq-africa/2009/02/16/1111410/exclusive-sudan-appoint-stephen-constantine-as-national-coach|url-status=live}}
= Clubs in Cyprus and Greece =
After leaving Sudan he managed in the Cypriot domestic leagues with APEP and Nea Salamis Famagusta, the latter of which he guided to promotion in the Cypriot First Division.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/09/stephen-constantine-rwanda-football|title=Stephen Constantine: I'm quite happy to do the jobs that nobody else wants|date=9 October 2014|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Sam Crocker|work=The Guardian|archive-date=2 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102173827/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/09/stephen-constantine-rwanda-football|url-status=live}} He was also manager of Ethnikos Achna from December 2012 to February 2013.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/stephen-phillip-constantine/235977/|title=Profile|access-date=17 March 2015|publisher=Soccerway}}
In July 2013, he was linked with the Jamaica national team vacancy.{{cite web|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Englishman-Constantine-front-runner-for-coaching-job---source_14691263|title=Englishman Constantine front-runner for coaching job — source|date=16 July 2013|access-date=2 January 2015|author=Howard Walker|publisher=The Jamaica Observer}} He became the assistant manager of Greek club Apollon Smyrni in November 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.fcapollon.gr/news/genika-nea/35/@1482.aspx?returnpage=%2fcms%2f1-Home-Page.aspx%3fpage%3d0|title=Ανακοίνωση|date=21 November 2013|access-date=30 December 2014|language=el|publisher=Apollon Smyrni F.C.|archive-date=2 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102182420/http://www.fcapollon.gr/news/genika-nea/35/@1482.aspx?returnpage=%2fcms%2f1-Home-Page.aspx%3fpage%3d0|url-status=live}} He set up the British Coaches Abroad Association in November 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9590640/British-Coaches-Abroad-The-First-Year|title=British Coaches Abroad: The First Year|date=3 December 2014|access-date=2 January 2015|author=Owen Amos|publisher=Football365|archive-date=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103143040/http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9590640/British-Coaches-Abroad-The-First-Year|url-status=live}}
= Rwanda =
He became manager of the Rwanda national team in May 2014,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27374744|title=Stephen Constantine appointed Rwanda coach|date=21 May 2014|access-date=3 January 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075333/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27374744|url-status=live}} taking charge of his first match in June.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/240/917/3/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103152754/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/240/917/3/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2015|title=Constantine eyes Rwanda breakthrough|date=30 July 2014|access-date=2 January 2015|publisher=FIFA}} He stated his aim was to build a team strong enough to challenge for the 2016 African Nations Championship, which Rwanda were due to host.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27504521|title=Rwanda coach Constantine targets 2016 CHAN success|date=22 May 2014|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Ian Hughes|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=30 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130141911/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27504521|url-status=live}} In December 2014 Rwanda attained their highest ever ranking, of 68th position.{{cite web|url=http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/141218/Rwanda_achieve_historic_Fifa_ranking|title=Rwanda achieve historic Fifa ranking|date=18 December 2014|access-date=30 December 2014|author=Usher Komugisha|publisher=SuperSport.com|archive-date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230170501/http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/141218/Rwanda_achieve_historic_Fifa_ranking|url-status=live}} Later that month he was linked with a return to India as their new national manager,{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Stephen-Constantine-to-take-charge-as-India-football-teams-coach/articleshow/45661636.cms|title=Stephen Constantine to take charge as India football team's coach|date=27 December 2014|access-date=30 December 2014|work=The Times of India|archive-date=31 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231034211/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Stephen-Constantine-to-take-charge-as-India-football-teams-coach/articleshow/45661636.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/constantine-poised-for-a-second-stint/article6713024.ece|title=Constantine poised for a second stint|date=21 December 2014|access-date=2 January 2015|work=The Hindu|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075342/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/constantine-poised-for-a-second-stint/article6713024.ece|url-status=live}} and in early January 2015 he was offered the position.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/AIFF-offers-Constantine-Indian-football-coachs-job/articleshow/45780594.cms|title=AIFF offers Constantine Indian football coach's job|date=6 January 2015|access-date=8 January 2015|work=The Times of India|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107072003/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/AIFF-offers-Constantine-Indian-football-coachs-job/articleshow/45780594.cms|url-status=live}}
=Return to India=
In December 2014, it was reported that Constantine would become the next head coach of India again, after Wim Koevermans' contract ran out.{{cite news|title=Stephen Constantine to take charge as India football team's coach|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Stephen-Constantine-to-take-charge-as-India-football-teams-coach/articleshow/45661636.cms|access-date=4 August 2015|work=Times of India|date=27 December 2014|archive-date=31 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231034211/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Stephen-Constantine-to-take-charge-as-India-football-teams-coach/articleshow/45661636.cms|url-status=live}} He would beat the favourite for the position, Ricki Herbert. On 16 January 2015, it was confirmed that Constantine had returned to take over India for a second stint.{{cite news|title=Stephen Constantine Appointed Head Coach of Indian Football Team|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/236042-stephen-constantine-appointed-head-coach-of-indian-football-team|access-date=4 August 2015|work=NDTV Sports|date=16 January 2015|archive-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031000701/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/236042-stephen-constantine-appointed-head-coach-of-indian-football-team|url-status=live}}
His first match as India head coach came on 12 March 2015 in the qualifier against Nepal at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Two goals from Sunil Chhetri lead India to a 2–0 victory and lead going into the second leg in Kathmandu.{{cite news|last1=Mitra|first1=Atanu|last2=Netto|first2=Brendon|title=India 2-0 Nepal: Chhetri leads Blue Tigers to victory over neighbours|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/india-vs-nepal/2012936/report|access-date=4 August 2015|work=Goal.com|date=12 March 2015|archive-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901044102/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/india-vs-nepal/2012936/report|url-status=live}} A 0–0 draw at the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium saw India progress to the next round of World Cup/Asian Cup qualifying.{{cite news|title=INDIA BEAT NEPAL TO REACH JOINT QUALIFIERS SECOND ROUND|url=http://www.the-afc.com/india-nepal-asian-cup-2019-2018-world-cup/india-beat-nepal-to-reach-joint-qualifiers-second-round|access-date=4 August 2015|work=The Asian Football Confederation|date=17 March 2015|archive-date=13 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813101508/http://www.the-afc.com/india-nepal-asian-cup-2019-2018-world-cup/india-beat-nepal-to-reach-joint-qualifiers-second-round|url-status=live}} As a result of India's top results against Nepal, the country saw a rise by 26 in the April FIFA World Rankings to 147.{{cite news|last1=Mitra|first1=Atanu|last2=Noronha|first2=Anselm|title=India ranked 147 in latest FIFA Rankings, climb 26 places|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2696/indian-national-team/2015/04/09/10597302/india-ranked-147-in-latest-fifa-rankings-climb-26-places|access-date=4 August 2015|work=Goal.com|date=9 April 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145924/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2696/indian-national-team/2015/04/09/10597302/india-ranked-147-in-latest-fifa-rankings-climb-26-places|url-status=live}}
In April 2015, it was announced that India would be placed in Group D for the World Cup/Asian Cup qualifiers with Asia's top side, Iran, as well as Oman, Turkmenistan, and Guam.{{cite news|last1=Bera|first1=Kaustav|last2=Noronha|first2=Anselm|title=India placed in Group D in the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup Qualifier Round Two|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2015/04/14/10746452/india-placed-in-group-d-in-the-2018-world-cup-and-2019-asian-cup-|access-date=4 August 2015|work=Goal.com|date=14 April 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145132/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2015/04/14/10746452/india-placed-in-group-d-in-the-2018-world-cup-and-2019-asian-cup-|url-status=live}} India came bottom of the group, winning only one game.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/asia/index.html#275195|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118141111/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/asia/index.html#275195|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 November 2007|title=FIFA World Cup 2018 AFC qualifying|date=3 April 2018|access-date=3 April 2018|publisher=FIFA.com}}
In January 2016, Constantine led India to the SAFF Championship title, beating Afghanistan 2–1 in the final. He led India to 100th in the FIFA rankings as of June 2017.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/India-beat-Afghanistan-2-1-to-lift-SAFF-Cup-title-for-7th-time/articleshow/50429054.cms|title=India beat Afghanistan 2-1 to lift SAFF Cup title for 7th time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|date=3 January 2016 |access-date=16 June 2017|archive-date=26 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926101420/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/India-beat-Afghanistan-2-1-to-lift-SAFF-Cup-title-for-7th-time/articleshow/50429054.cms|url-status=live}} The win against Kyrgyzstan in June was India's eighth in a row.{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/stephen-constantine-india-have-one-foot-in-2019-asian-cup-finals/story-jXXhy98UAw04GQGd9bAPPL.html|title=India have one foot in 2019 Asian Cup finals|author=Dhiman Sarkar|date=14 June 2017|website=hindustantimes.com|access-date=4 July 2017|archive-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628120814/http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/stephen-constantine-india-have-one-foot-in-2019-asian-cup-finals/story-jXXhy98UAw04GQGd9bAPPL.html|url-status=live}} The unbeaten streak ran to 13 games, including 11 wins, but ended with a 2–1 defeat to Kyrgyzstan in March 2018.{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/873552/indias-13-match-unbeaten-streak-ends-with-2-1-defeat-against-kyrgyz-republic|title=India's 13-match unbeaten streak ends|date=27 March 2018|access-date=3 April 2018|publisher=scroll.in|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075332/https://scroll.in/field/873552/indias-13-match-unbeaten-streak-ends-with-2-1-defeat-against-kyrgyz-republic|url-status=live}} In 2016 he rejected the opportunity to manager English League One club Port Vale.{{cite news |last1=Fielding |first1=Rob |title=Nearly men 30: cosmopolitan manager Constantine who turned down Port Vale in 2016 |url=https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2023/04/nearly-men-30-cosmopolitan-manager-constantine-who-turned-down-port-vale-in-2016/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |work=onevalefan.co.uk |date=20 April 2023}}
During the unbeaten run, India qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/873404/preview-india-may-have-already-qualified-for-asian-cup-but-kyrgyzstan-match-is-no-dead-rubber|title=India may have already qualified for Asian Cup, but Kyrgyzstan match is no dead rubber|author=Arka Bhattacharya|date=26 March 2018|website=scroll.in|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165558/https://scroll.in/field/873404/preview-india-may-have-already-qualified-for-asian-cup-but-kyrgyzstan-match-is-no-dead-rubber|url-status=live}} In June 2018, India won the Intercontinental Cup, beating Kenya in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/india-win-2018-intercontinental-cup-final-kenya-mumbai/130u9ampl52hw1jwjfmabqpjec|title=India win 2018 Intercontinental Cup|author=Swapnaneel Parasar|date=10 June 2018|website=goal.com|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720140050/http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/india-win-2018-intercontinental-cup-final-kenya-mumbai/130u9ampl52hw1jwjfmabqpjec|url-status=live}} Afterwards, Constantine was named Sports Illustrated coach of the year in India.{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/~/kidambi-srikanth-bags-sports-illustrated-sportsperson-of-the-year/Sports/news/1267185.html|title=Kidambi Srikanth wins sportsperson of the year|date=22 June 2018|website=uniindia.com|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720140023/http://www.uniindia.com/~/kidambi-srikanth-bags-sports-illustrated-sportsperson-of-the-year/Sports/news/1267185.html|url-status=live}}
File:THA-IND match 20190106 AFC Asian Cup 9.jpg.]]
At the 2019 Asian Cup, Constantine said he was aiming for progression from the group stages.{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2019-01-11/stephen-constantine-aiming-to-lead-india-to-historic-qualification-in-asian-cup/ |title=Stephen Constantine aiming to lead India to historic qualification in Asian Cup | London | ITV News |publisher=Itv.com |date=11 January 2019 |access-date=23 January 2021 |archive-date=15 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023840/https://www.itv.com/news/london/2019-01-11/stephen-constantine-aiming-to-lead-india-to-historic-qualification-in-asian-cup/ |url-status=live }} The team won their opening game against Thailand, but finished fourth in their group after conceding a last-minute penalty in their final group game against Bahrain, and Constantine resigned from his position as manager.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/afc-asian-cup/1019451/breaking-indian-head-coach-stephen-constantine-resigns-after-afc-asian-cup-exit/|title=Fox Sports|access-date=14 January 2019|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023657/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/afc-asian-cup/1019451/breaking-indian-head-coach-stephen-constantine-resigns-after-afc-asian-cup-exit/|url-status=live}} After his resignation, the All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said: "It's been a wonderful journey. We have travelled a long distance together, and the world has seen it all."{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/aiff-thanks-constantine-for-his-contribution-to-indian-football|title=AIFF thanks Constantine|date=15 January 2019|access-date=24 January 2019|publisher=SportsKeeda|archive-date=25 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125020610/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/aiff-thanks-constantine-for-his-contribution-to-indian-football|url-status=live}} Constantine took India from 173 in the FIFA World Rankings in March 2015 {{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank/id11027/#AFC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125020456/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank/id11027/#AFC|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2019|title=FIFA World Rankings March 2015|date=12 March 2015|access-date=24 January 2018|publisher=FIFA}} to 97 in December 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank/id12406/#AFC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041337/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank/id12406/#AFC|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 December 2018|title=FIFA World Rankings December 2018|date=20 December 2018|access-date=24 January 2018|publisher=FIFA}}
=Pafos=
In January 2021 he became chief football operations officer at Cypriot club Pafos.{{cite web|url=https://pafosfc.com.cy/archives/4914 |title=Stephen Constantine: New Chief Football Operations Officer And Board Adviser |publisher=Pafosfc.com.cy |date=29 November 2020 |access-date=23 January 2021}} In February 2021 he was appointed head coach.{{cite web|url=https://pafosfc.com.cy/archives/5039|title=New head coach|date=4 February 2021|access-date=7 February 2021|publisher=Pafos FC|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204163835/https://pafosfc.com.cy/archives/5039|url-status=live}} His contract expired on 30 June 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://pafosfc.com.cy/archives/5224|title=END OF CONTRACT WITH STEPHEN CONSTANTINE}}
= East Bengal =
In January 2022 he was linked with the vacant role as the Singapore national team manager.{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-coaches-with-impressive-cvs-among-those-interested-in-lions-job|title=Football: Coaches with impressive CVs among those interested in Lions job | The Straits Times|first=Hermes|last=Auto|date=22 January 2022|website=www.straitstimes.com|access-date=23 February 2022|archive-date=23 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223111015/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-coaches-with-impressive-cvs-among-those-interested-in-lions-job|url-status=live}} In July 2022 he became head coach of Indian Super League club East Bengal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/indian-football-former-national-team-coach-stephen-constantine-takes-charge-of-east-bengal/article65690463.ece|title=Indian football | Former national team coach Stephen Constantine takes charge of East Bengal|newspaper=The Hindu |date=27 July 2022|via=www.thehindu.com|access-date=27 July 2022|archive-date=27 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727174831/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/indian-football-former-national-team-coach-stephen-constantine-takes-charge-of-east-bengal/article65690463.ece|url-status=live}} He left the position in April 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/head-coach-stephen-constantine-departs-east-bengal-fc|title=Head coach Stephen Constantine departs East Bengal FC|website=Indian Super League}}{{Cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/east-bengal-fc-parts-ways-coach-stpehen-constantine-kolkata-football-news-india/article66776892.ece|title=ISL: East Bengal parts ways with Stephen Constantine|first=Team|last=Sportstar|date=25 April 2023|website=sportstar.thehindu.com}}
=Pakistan=
On 30 September 2023, Constantine was announced as the head coach of the Pakistan national football team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/30-Sep-2023/pff-names-stephen-constantine-head-coach-of-men-s-national-team|title=PFF names Stephen Constantine Head Coach of Men's National Team|date=30 September 2023|website=The Nation}}https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/articles/stephen-constantine-pakistan-coach-interview
Constantine led Pakistan to their first-ever victory in World Cup qualifiers in their first fixture at home in 8 years by beating Cambodia, and qualifying for the second round for the first time.{{Cite news |last=Aarons |first=Ed |date=16 October 2023 |title=Pakistan beat Cambodia to register first win in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers history |language=en-GB |work=Geo Sports |url=https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/29020-pakistan-beat-cambodia-to-register-first-win-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-history |access-date=17 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} He left the role in November 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2016607-stephen-constantine-bids-farewell-after-pioneering-pakistan-s-football-journey|title=Stephen Constantine Bids Farewell After Pioneering Pakistan's Football Journey|website=www.footboom1.com}}
On 3 March 2025, Constantine was appointed again solely for the match against Syria at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification third round, with a decision on a long-term role to be made later.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan reappoints Constantine for Syria clash in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/593424-pakistan-reappoints-constantine-for-syria-clash-in-afc-asian-cup-qualifiers |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Stephen Constantine set to return as Pakistan football coach for AFC Asian Cup qualifier |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1288183-stephen-constantine-set-to-return-as-pakistan-football-coach-for-afc-asian-cup-qualifier |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}
Constantine was given the duty of leading the team again in June, for the Myanmar game.{{Cite web |title=PFF NC cancels players’ holidays on Eid, retains combination for Myanmar Clash |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1305843-pff-nc-cancels-players-holidays-on-eid-retains-combination-for-myanmar-clash |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=PFF NC's Intense Training Camp for AFC Qualifiers {{!}} Nukta |url=https://nukta.com/pff-nc-camp-asian-cup |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=nukta.com |language=en}}
FIFA
Constantine has worked as a FIFA Instructor,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/pdf/thefa/communique_magazine/communique20eng.ashx|title=Communiqué|date=10 April 2013|access-date=2 January 2015|issue=20|page=5|format=PDF|publisher=The Football Association|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075329/https://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/pdf/thefa/communique_magazine/communique20eng.ashx|url-status=live}} and is a member of FIFA's elite coaching panel.
Other
In March 2018, Constantine's autobiography, From Delhi to the Den, was nominated for the Football Writers' Association book of the year, part of the British Sports Book Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/busby-and-paisley-go-head-head-sport-book-year-longlist-752176|title=Busby and Paisley go head-to-head|date=19 March 2018|access-date=7 April 2018|publisher=The Bookseller|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613084847/https://www.thebookseller.com/news/busby-and-paisley-go-head-head-sport-book-year-longlist-752176|url-status=live}}
As of January 2025, no other Englishman had managed as many foreign national teams as Constantine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cr56jr7zdrqo|title=Meet the Englishmen managing national teams abroad|date=7 January 2025|website=BBC Sport}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://stephenconstantine.com/}}
{{India squad 2019 AFC Asian Cup}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Constantine, Stephen}}
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