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Unai Emery
Unai Emery
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Unai Emery Etxegoien (born 3 November 1971) is a Spanish football manager and former player who is the head coach of Premier League club Aston Villa. He is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world.[3][4][5][6][7] Since 2021, he is also the majority shareholder of fourth-tier Spanish club Real Unión.

Key Information

After a career spent playing mostly in Spain's Segunda División, Emery transitioned into coaching after retiring in 2004. He began at Lorca Deportiva, where he achieved promotion to the Segunda División in his first season. He then joined Almería, whom he led to promotion to La Liga for the first time in the club's history. He subsequently moved to Valencia, leading the team to top-three finishes. After his contract was not renewed at Valencia, he moved to Spartak Moscow for six months but was sacked due to poor performance, before moving to Sevilla in 2013, where he won an unprecedented three consecutive Europa Leagues.

Emery moved to French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. There, he won a Ligue 1 title, two Coupe de France titles, two Coupe de la Ligues, and two Trophée des Champions, including a domestic quadruple in his second season.[8] After the expiry of his contract, Emery was appointed as head coach of English club Arsenal in 2018, succeeding Arsène Wenger. He finished Europa League runner-up in his first season, before being dismissed in November 2019. He was hired by Villarreal in July 2020, where he won the Europa League in his first season and guided the club to a Champions League semi-final run in the following season. In October 2022, he returned to the Premier League to manage Aston Villa and guided them to a UEFA Conference League semi-final in 2024 and the Champions League quarter-finals a year later after successfully finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

Early and personal life

[edit]

Emery was born in Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country.[9][10] He is a native speaker of the Basque language.[11] His father and grandfather, named Juan and Antonio respectively, were also footballers, both goalkeepers. The former appeared for several clubs in the second tier including Real Unión, while the latter competed with that club in the top division.[12][13][14] Emery's uncle, Román, played as a midfielder.[15][16] In July 2021, the Emery family completed a takeover of Real Unión, and his brother Igor became club president.[17]

Emery's wife is Luisa Fernández.[18] Their son Lander, also a goalkeeper, played for Aston Villa's Under-21s team between January 2024 and July 2025[19][20] and currently plays for Real Unión - the third member of the Emery family to wear the goalkeeper jersey for the club.[21]

Playing career

[edit]

Emery, a left-sided midfielder, was a youth graduate of Real Sociedad, but never really broke into the first team (aged 24 he appeared in five La Liga games, scoring against Albacete in an 8–1 home win).[22] After that, he resumed his career mostly in the Segunda División, amassing totals of 215 matches and nine goals over seven seasons. He retired with Lorca Deportiva at the age of 32, after one season in Segunda División B. In 2002, he signed for Burgos but was one of several players released before making a single competitive appearance due to lack of funds.[23]

Managerial career

[edit]

Lorca and Almería

[edit]
Emery with Almería

Emery suffered a serious knee injury while at Lorca in the 2004–05 season, and he was offered the vacant coach's position by the club president. He immediately helped the club achieve promotion to the second division for the first time in its history,[12] as well as beating top-level side Málaga in the Copa del Rey. He was subsequently awarded the Miguel Muñoz Trophy as coach of the season. In his second season, the Murcians' first ever in the second division, the team finished fifth with 69 points, only five points off promotion to the top flight;[24] they suffered relegation in 2007, after Emery's departure.

Emery then moved to Almería in division two,[25] and again helped his squad overachieve: after guiding them to a first ever promotion in 2007,[26] the Andalusian side finished eighth in La Liga in 2007–08.[27] This prompted a move to Valencia, where he succeeded Ronald Koeman as coach.[28]

Valencia

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In 2008–09, his first season with Los Che, Emery led them to a sixth-place finish, with subsequent qualification to the UEFA Europa League, in spite of the club's serious financial problems. The team reached the Round of 32 in the UEFA Cup, losing on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate draw against Dynamo Kyiv, and the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, exiting against Sevilla.

In 2009–10, Emery led Valencia to third place, so the club returned to the UEFA Champions League after two years. After dropping down to Europa League (previously known as UEFA Cup), they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Atlético Madrid on away goals, and exited in the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey against Deportivo La Coruña, losing 4–3 on aggregate. In May 2010, Emery renewed his contract for another year.[29]

2010–11 started without David Villa and David Silva, sold to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Despite this, Valencia won five out of the first six league games (with one draw), starting the Champions League campaign with a 4–0 win in Turkey against Bursaspor,[30] before being eliminated in the round of 16 by Schalke 04, and being knocked out in the same stage in the Copa del Rey by Villarreal. In the domestic league, the side finished third, thus again qualifying for the Champions League.

In 2011–12, Emery's side entered the Champions League and were paired with Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and KRC Genk. They finished third in their group and subsequently entered the Europa League. Valencia lost in the semi-finals to eventual winners Atlético Madrid again. He left the club in June 2012, after again finishing third in 2011–12, ensuring Valencia's qualification for Champions League.[31]

Spartak Moscow

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On 13 May 2012, Leonid Fedun, owner of Spartak Moscow, announced Emery as the Russian club's coach for the following two seasons.[32] On 25 November, he was sacked after a run of poor results, after only managing the side for six months. His last game in charge was a 5–1 home loss in the derby against Dynamo Moscow.[33]

Sevilla

[edit]
Emery managing Sevilla in 2015

Emery returned to Spanish football on 14 January 2013, replacing the sacked Míchel at the helm of Sevilla.[34] He led the club to fifth position in 2013–14, his first full season. On 14 May 2014, he won the Europa League final, defeating Benfica on penalties.[35]

After finishing the 2014–15 season in fifth place, one point behind former club Valencia, Emery again won the Europa League after defeating Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk,[36] thus qualifying for the following Champions League.[37] The victory meant that Sevilla became the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Cup/Europa League, with four wins,[38] and Emery signed a one-year contract extension on 5 June 2015 which would have kept him at the club until 2017, after reported interest from West Ham United and Napoli.[39]

In 2015–16, Emery led Sevilla to seventh position, having played the final games of the domestic league with several reserves and youth team players after the team confirmed their place in the Europa League final.[40][41] This season, Sevilla entered the UEFA Champions League group stage as title holders of UEFA Europa League the previous season, they were third in the group and transferred to UEFA Europa League again. On 18 May 2016, despite trailing 1–0 at half-time, a goal from Kevin Gameiro and two from Coke resulted in a 3–1 victory over Liverpool at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.[42]

On 12 June 2016, after Emery expressed his desire to leave Sevilla, the club announced that they would be parting ways.[43]

Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]

On 28 June 2016, Emery signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third, to succeed Laurent Blanc at French quadruple-holders Paris Saint-Germain.[44] In his first competitive match in charge, on 6 August, his side beat Lyon 4–1 in Austria to lift the Trophée des Champions.[45]

Emery picked up his second honour with les Rouge-et-Bleu on 1 April 2017 with a 4–1 win over title rivals Monaco in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue.[46] Emery led PSG to second place in their group of the Champions League, behind Arsenal. In the first knockout round they defeated Barcelona 4–0 at the Parc des Princes,[47] only to historically lose 6–1 in Spain and subsequently be eliminated.[48]

In the next Champions League season, PSG finished top of their group, in which Emery led them to a 3–0 win over Bayern Munich in the second match.[49] However, they were knocked out in the round of 16, as they lost both legs by the eventual winner Real Madrid.[50] Domestically, the team won a quadruple of all four domestic honours: Trophée des Champions, Coupe de la Ligue, Coupe de France and Ligue 1.[51] On 28 April 2018, Emery announced his decision to leave the Parisian club at the end of the season with a year left on his contract.[52] He was replaced by German coach Thomas Tuchel at PSG following the conclusion of the 2017–18 season.[53]

Arsenal

[edit]
Emery with Arsenal in 2019

On 23 May 2018, Emery was appointed head coach of Arsenal.[54] He agreed to a two-year deal, with the club having the option to extend his deal for a further year.[55]

In his first competitive game in charge, on 12 August, his side lost to Manchester City 2–0 in the Premier League.[56] After a second consecutive loss to Chelsea on 18 August,[57] Emery recorded his first win as Arsenal manager on 25 August, in a 3–1 home win over West Ham United.[58] After this game, Arsenal won 11 games in a row, their best run of form since 2007.[59] Arsenal then extended their unbeaten run to 22 games, including a 4–2 win over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Emery's first North London derby.[60] Their 3–2 loss to Southampton in December was the first time they had been defeated in all competitions since August.[61] However Arsenal capitulated towards the end of the season, only receiving four points in their last five league matches, effectively discarding any chance of qualifying for the Champions League through league position.[62] Emery yet again reached a Europa League final,[63] but was unsuccessful as Arsenal were beaten 4–1 by fellow English side Chelsea.[64] Arsenal finished the season in fifth position, one place higher than the previous season, narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot.[65]

In the 2019 summer transfer window, Emery broke Arsenal's previous club record by signing Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pépé.[66] He also brought into the defence David Luiz from rivals Chelsea and Scotsman Kieran Tierney from Celtic, as well as midfielder Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid.[67]

On 29 November 2019, following a series of poor results and a winless run of seven games, Emery was sacked by Arsenal.[68][69] His final game in charge was a 2–1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.[70] He was replaced on an interim basis by Freddie Ljungberg and later on a permanent basis by Mikel Arteta.

Villarreal

[edit]

On 23 July 2020, Emery was announced as the new head coach of La Liga club Villarreal, succeeding Javier Calleja on a three-year deal.[71] On 23 December, he broke the club record of 18 matches unbeaten, after a 1–1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao.[72]

In May 2021, he led Villarreal to their first European final, after a 2–1 win on aggregate over his former club Arsenal in the semi-finals;[73] he was the first ex-Gunners boss to beat his former team since George Graham in 1999.[74] On 26 May, Villarreal won the Europa League final against Manchester United in Gdańsk, 11–10 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, to give him his fourth and a record win in the competition.[75][76]

In November 2021, Emery was approached for the vacant managerial spot at Newcastle United following their Saudi-led takeover. He turned down the interest, saying that he was "100% committed" to Villarreal and that the English team had a "lack of a clear vision".[77] In the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League, he led Villarreal to the semi-finals by beating Juventus and Bayern Munich, before being eliminated by Liverpool.[78]

Aston Villa

[edit]

2022–23: From relegation fight to Europe

[edit]

On 24 October 2022, Emery was appointed as head coach of Aston Villa after the Premier League team paid a buyout fee of a reported €6 million (£5.2 million) to Villarreal.[79] Due to work permit formalities, he did not take up his post until 1 November,[80] with Villa having only won two of their first eleven games under previous manager Steven Gerrard before his sacking,[81] and sitting in 16th place in the league table, two places above the relegation zone with only a point separating Villa from the relegation places.[82] As part of his backroom staff, he brought in Pako Ayestarán, with whom he had previously worked at Valencia.[83] On 6 November, Emery won his first match in charge with a 3–1 win over Manchester United, Villa's first home Premier League victory against United since August 1995.[84] His team were eliminated from the third round of the FA Cup 2–1 at home by EFL League Two team Stevenage on 8 January 2023. He criticised the mentality of his players after the game.[85]

Villa would win fifteen of their twenty-five league games under Emery and 49 points from a possible 75 since his appointment during the 2022–23 campaign,[86] with only Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool securing more points since Emery's appointment.[87] A 1–1 draw with Brentford on 22 April 2023 at the Brentford Community Stadium, Emery's nineteenth league game in charge at Villa, saw the team break the Premier League record for the longest consecutive scoring run a team has had from the start of a manager's tenure in the competition's history.[88] A 1–0 victory over Fulham three days later stretched the new record to twenty consecutive games, before a 1–0 loss to Manchester United on 30 April 2023 ended the run.[89] Five wins, one draw and one defeat in April 2023 led to Emery being awarded Premier League Manager of the Month.[90]

A 1–1 draw with Liverpool on 20 May guaranteed a ninth-placed finish, Villa's highest in the Premier League since the 2010–11 season.[91] Villa secured a 7th-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League, the club's first participation in European football since the 2010–11 season and Emery's sixteenth consecutive season of European football.[92] Many sports journalists and pundits praised Emery's transformation of Villa in such a short space of time, and Emery was nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season Award. The recipient of the award, Pep Guardiola, also acknowledged Emery in his acceptance speech, along with the other nominees, for each's "incredible job this season".[93]

A 3–0 win against Newcastle United on 15 April 2023 saw Villa win five Premier League games in a row for the first time since 1998,[94] and victory at Villa Park against Brighton on the final matchday not only meant The Villans' first time winning seven consecutive league games at home since the 1992–93 season,[95][96] but also their eighteenth league win of the season, the fifteenth under Emery, for their joint-most league wins in a 38-game season.[97]

2023–24: Champions League qualification

[edit]
Emery managing Aston Villa in 2025 during pre-season

The summer of 2023 also saw major changes in Aston Villa's infrastructure as Sevilla's sporting director Monchi, who had previously worked with Emery, was appointed as President of Football Operations, as well as Damian Vidagany as Director of Football Operations.[98][99] Aston Villa signed Pau Torres from Villarreal for a reported £33m,[100] and Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee.[101] with many outlets reporting the fee to be in excess of £50m and shattering Villa's previous transfer record.[102]

After a 5–1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park in their opening fixture of the 2023–24 season,[103] Emery would lead Villa to their highest Premier League points total after 19 games, the season's midpoint.[104] Emery's Villa maintained a 100% record in their first eight home games of the season for the first time since the 1932–33 season,[105] and a 1–0 victory against Arsenal on 9 December was their fifteenth consecutive home league win, going back to 4 March, the most in the club's 149-year history.[106] Aston Villa won five of seven games in December 2023, including back-to-back wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, which led to Emery being named Premier League Manager of the Month for the second time in his career.[107]

In the Conference League, Villa beat Ajax 4–0 on aggregate in the round of 16,[108] and then Lille on penalties to reach a first European semi-final since 1982.[109] On 23 April, Emery extended his contract until 2027.[110] He eventually led the club to a 4th-place finish in the league, securing qualification to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1982–83.[111] On 27 May 2024, Emery extended his contract until 2029.[112]

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 23 October 2025[113]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Lorca Deportiva 21 December 2004 22 June 2006 70 34 16 20 048.57 [114]
Almería 22 June 2006 22 May 2008 84 39 20 25 046.43 [115]
Valencia 22 May 2008 14 May 2012 220 107 58 55 048.64 [116]
Spartak Moscow 14 May 2012 25 November 2012 26 12 4 10 046.15 [117]
Sevilla 14 January 2013 12 June 2016 205 106 43 56 051.71 [118]
Paris Saint-Germain 28 June 2016 14 May 2018 114 87 15 12 076.32 [119]
Arsenal 23 May 2018 29 November 2019 78 43 16 19 055.13 [120]
Villarreal 23 July 2020 25 October 2022 129 66 32 31 051.16 [121]
Aston Villa 1 November 2022 Present 152 81 29 42 053.29 [122]
Total 1,078 575 233 270 053.34

Honours

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Unai Emery Etxegoien is a Spanish professional and former who has been the of club Aston Villa since November 2022. Born on 3 November 1971 in Hondarribia, , Emery is renowned for his tactical acumen and success in European competitions, having won the four times with Sevilla and . Emery was born into a ; his grandfather played in for Real Unión, while his father Juan was a who appeared in over 400 matches across more than a decade in Spain's second division. His own playing career began in the youth ranks of before progressing to senior level as a left , featuring primarily in Spain's with clubs including Toledo, Racing Ferrol, and . Over his professional tenure, he made 114 appearances and scored 8 goals, with 101 of those outings in the second tier, before retiring at age 32 in 2004 due to a while at third-division side Lorca Deportiva. Emery transitioned immediately into coaching, taking charge of Lorca Deportiva and securing promotion to the second division in his debut season. His managerial career gained prominence at (2006–2008), where he achieved another promotion to , followed by a four-year stint at (2008–2012) that included two fourth-place finishes in the top flight. After a brief and unsuccessful spell at Spartak in 2012, Emery joined Sevilla in January 2013, leading them to three consecutive titles between 2014 and 2016, a feat that established him as a European specialist. He then managed Saint-Germain from 2016 to 2018, winning the title, two trophies, and two French League Cups during that period. Subsequent roles at (2018–2019) and (2020–2022) brought mixed domestic results but further European success, including a fourth Europa League triumph with Villarreal in 2021. Appointed at Aston Villa on a contract until June 2029, Emery has revitalized the club, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the season and qualification for the , a sixth-place finish in the 2024–25 season and qualification for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League, while as of November 2025 they sit sixth in the 2025–26 and are competing in the .

Early and personal life

Early life

Unai Emery Etxegoien was born on 3 November 1971 in Hondarribia, a coastal town in the province of , Basque Country, . He grew up in a family deeply immersed in football, with his father, Juan Emery, and grandfather, Antonio Emery, both serving as goalkeepers for the local club de Irun. His mother, Amelia, hailed from , but the family was firmly rooted in Basque traditions, living near the French in a community shaped by historical struggles and strong regional identity. Emery's childhood was marked by early immersion in football through his family's involvement with Real Unión, where he often attended matches in Irun, just 3 km from Hondarribia. This exposure instilled a profound passion for the sport from a young age, influenced by the Basque emphasis on perseverance and community, as exemplified by his parents—his mother's intensity and his father's focus on responsibility and hard work. The region's cultural festivals, such as the Alarde in Hondarribia, and its football heritage further shaped his formative years, fostering a sense of pride in local identity. His initial youth football experiences began at local facilities in Hondarribia, including the Turbo Elkatea stadium, before he progressed to the academy of prominent Basque club . There, as a left-sided , he developed his skills amid the club's renowned , which emphasized technical proficiency and regional loyalty, setting the stage for his later career despite limited senior opportunities.

Personal life

Unai Emery married Luisa Fernández in 1998 after meeting her in , where she worked at the time. The couple has one son, Lander Emery Fernández, born on March 29, 2003, who is a professional currently playing for Real Unión in Spain's third tier. Lander briefly featured in Aston Villa's under-21 setup and was named on the first-team bench by his father for a match in May 2024. Due to the demands of Emery's managerial career, he and his family have relocated multiple times, living in cities such as during his early coaching roles, during his time with , while at Paris Saint-Germain from 2016 to 2018, and during his tenure at from 2018 to 2019. They are currently based in Birmingham, where Emery serves as of Aston Villa and has expressed a desire for on-site accommodation at the club's to facilitate family proximity. Emery leads a family-oriented , emphasizing with loved ones during off-seasons through activities like beach outings, walks, and shared meals. He maintains a strong interest in reading, particularly books that help achieve emotional balance amid professional pressures, a he has encouraged among his players by gifting them similar . Emery avoids to focus on personal and professional priorities, reflecting his preference for a low-profile existence outside football. Emery's philanthropic efforts are tied to his Basque heritage, with the family completing a takeover of Real Unión—a historic club in the Basque region—in July 2021, where his brother Igor serves as president; this investment supports youth development and club rebuilding in the area. He has also engaged in charity work, including coaching sessions for children separated from families due to U.S. policies during downtime in 2019, and a special interview in 2022 with members of Aspropace Castellón, a Spanish supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

Playing career

Club career

Unai Emery began his professional playing career as a left with the of , debuting in the 1990–91 season in Spain's . Over five seasons with , he made 89 appearances and scored 8 goals, primarily in the third tier, while training with the senior squad but receiving limited opportunities at the top level. His exposure to the first team was minimal, consisting of just 5 appearances in during the 1995–96 season, where he scored 1 goal before departing the club. Emery then moved to CD Toledo in the Segunda División, where he played from 1996 to 2000, making 126 appearances and scoring 2 goals. He joined Racing Ferrol in 2000, playing in the second tier until 2002 and contributing 45 appearances and 7 goals, establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence despite recurring fitness issues. Known for his strong work rate in midfield, Emery's career was often interrupted by knee injuries that affected his consistency. In 2002–03, he transferred to in , playing 28 matches as a regular without finding the net. His final club was Lorca Deportiva, where he played from 2003 to 2004, making 30 appearances and scoring 1 goal before a serious in the 2004–05 season curtailed his playing days. Throughout his senior professional career in 's lower divisions, Emery amassed 114 appearances and 8 goals, earning no caps for the national team.

Retirement and coaching transition

Emery's professional playing career came to an abrupt end in November 2004 at the age of 32 (turning 33 in the same month), forced by recurring knee injuries sustained while with Lorca Deportiva in Spain's third tier. The injury, which had plagued him during his time there, limited his appearances in the 2004–05 season and ultimately prevented further play, marking the conclusion of a career primarily in the lower divisions of Spanish football. Upon , Emery immediately transitioned into coaching by accepting the managerial position at Lorca Deportiva, the club where he had been playing. This early managerial stint laid the groundwork for Emery's coaching philosophy, which drew heavily from his experiences as a player lacking robust tactical guidance. He emphasized possession-based play, meticulous preparation, and addressing players' weaknesses to foster improvement, principles he later described as central to his approach from the outset at Lorca. Youth development also emerged as a key focus, influenced by his own unfulfilled potential, though it would evolve more prominently in subsequent roles.

Managerial career

Lorca Deportiva and Almería

Unai Emery began his managerial career at Lorca Deportiva in December 2004, shortly after a serious injury ended his playing days at the club in Spain's . Taking over mid-season, he revitalized the team, guiding them to a playoff spot and securing promotion to the through the promotion playoffs. In the 2005–06 season, competing in for the first time, Emery's side finished third in the regular season and triumphed in the playoffs, earning promotion to the —the club's first-ever ascent to Spain's second tier. Over his full tenure at Lorca, spanning from December 2004 to June 2006, he managed 70 matches, achieving a win rate of approximately 31%. Emery departed Lorca after this success to join . In July 2006, Emery joined in the , a modest club from seeking stability under owner . His first season, 2006–07, saw Almería finish second in the group stage and advance through the , securing promotion to the with a points-per-match average of 1.81 over 38 league games. Building on this momentum, Emery stabilized the team in the second tier during 2007–08, finishing 8th with 52 points from 42 matches, focusing on defensive organization and counter-attacks. The 2008–09 campaign proved transformative, as Almería clinched second place in the with 75 points from 42 matches, earning direct promotion to for the first time in the club's 40-year history. Emery departed in May 2009, just after the promotion, to join , leaving behind a squad that would make their top-flight debut the following season, ultimately finishing 13th and avoiding relegation. Across his three-year stint at Almería, he oversaw 114 league matches, accumulating 199 points at a rate of 1.75 per game. Emery's tactical foundations at both clubs emphasized a 4–4–2 formation, prioritizing collective pressing and midfield solidity over individual stars, as recalled by former Lorca midfielder Xavi Moro. This approach, honed in lower divisions, relied on high-intensity transitions and balanced lines to maximize limited resources. Key reinforcements under Emery at included striker , signed for €4 million in 2007 and pivotal with 18 goals across the promotion pushes, alongside goalkeeper and , who bolstered the defense and engine room. These signings exemplified his strategy of targeted acquisitions to build a cohesive unit capable of punching above its weight.

Valencia

Unai Emery was appointed as head coach of in May 2008, succeeding following a turbulent 2007–08 campaign in which the club finished 10th in amid three managerial changes. Coming from , where he had guided the team to an eighth-place finish in their debut La Liga season, Emery inherited a squad in transition after the high-profile departure of to Real Madrid earlier that summer, necessitating a strategic rebuild focused on youth development and financial sustainability. During his first season (2008–09), Emery steadied the ship, leading Valencia to sixth place in La Liga with 62 points from 38 matches, marking an improvement from the prior year's struggles and securing UEFA Europa League qualification. Over the subsequent three seasons, he established consistency at the elite level, achieving third-place finishes in La Liga for 2009–10 (71 points), 2010–11 (71 points), and 2011–12 (61 points), which guaranteed direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stage each year. In Europe, Valencia participated in the Champions League group stages across these campaigns but finished third in their groups each time (behind teams like Manchester United in 2010–11 and Chelsea in 2011–12), transitioning to the UEFA Europa League knockout rounds where they advanced to the round of 16 in 2010–11 and the round of 32 in 2011–12. Emery's tenure emphasized squad reconstruction amid ongoing player sales to offset debts, with notable talents like (sold to Manchester City in 2010 after 139 appearances and 35 goals under Emery), (to Chelsea in 2011 following 162 games and 42 goals), and emerging stars such as (who debuted in 2010 and became a key winger) and (top scorer with 17 goals in 2011–12) forming the core of a competitive unit. These efforts maintained Valencia's status as a perennial top-four contender despite losing high-profile assets like (to in 2010), fostering a youth-driven side that punched above its financial weight in domestic and European competitions. Emery departed Valencia by mutual consent at the end of the 2011–12 season, with his contract not renewed despite the third-place finish, primarily due to mounting fan frustration over the lack of silverware and the club's perceived underperformance in key matches amid financial constraints. Across 220 matches in charge, he recorded a win rate of approximately 48.6%, underscoring a period of stability and player development rather than success.

Spartak Moscow

Following his departure from Valencia at the end of the 2011–12 season, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Spartak Moscow on 8 June 2012, signing a two-year contract to take charge of the Russian club ahead of the 2012–13 campaign. This move represented Emery's first foray into international management outside , amid ongoing pressure from his Valencia exit despite guiding the club to fourth place in and quarter-finals in both the and . His tenure at Spartak, one of Russia's most storied clubs, lasted just six months, marking the briefest spell at a top-tier club in his career. Emery's time in Moscow was marred by poor results, with Spartak struggling in both domestic and European competitions. In the , he oversaw 17 matches, recording 9 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses for a total of 29 points and an average of 1.71 ; the team sat seventh in the standings at the time of his dismissal. Additionally, Spartak exited the group stage bottom of Group H after five matches (1 win, 0 draws, 4 losses), including heavy defeats to and Celtic, while they were eliminated from the Russian Cup in the round of 16 on penalties against Rostov. The final straw came on 25 November 2012, following a humiliating 5–1 home derby loss to , which prompted his immediate sacking by the club board. Beyond the on-field struggles, Emery encountered significant off-field challenges, including cultural and language barriers that impeded his integration and communication with the squad. He later expressed regret over failing to build stronger bonds with players, noting difficulties in conveying his tactical vision amid the unfamiliar environment. Reports also highlighted tensions with the club's hierarchy and a perceived player revolt, exacerbated by the rapid decline in form and the high expectations at Spartak, ultimately leading to his abrupt exit. Under , who replaced him, Spartak recovered to finish fourth in the league, qualifying for the .

Sevilla

Unai Emery was appointed as Sevilla's manager on 14 January , succeeding Míchel amid a challenging mid-season position in . Drawing from his prior experience at , Emery quickly stabilized the team, guiding them to a ninth-place finish in the season while laying the groundwork for European success. Emery's tenure at Sevilla is most renowned for securing three consecutive titles from 2014 to 2016, establishing the club as a dominant force in the competition. In the –14 edition, Sevilla overcame Benfica in a in the final held in , with Emery's side demonstrating resilience by coming from behind. The following year, they defended the title against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in , winning 3–2 in extra time, highlighted by Carlos Bacca's decisive goals. The 2015–16 triumph came against in , a 3–1 victory that showcased Sevilla's tactical discipline under Emery's leadership. These victories not only brought prestige but also substantial financial benefits through coefficients and prize money, elevating Sevilla's status in European football. High-quality images and videos of Emery's celebrations during these three consecutive Europa League triumphs are available from official sources such as UEFA and professional photo agencies like Getty Images. These capture iconic moments including him lifting the trophy, hugging players, and emotional pitch-side reactions after penalty shootouts or finals. Tactically, Emery employed a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasized intense pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting wide areas, which became a hallmark of Sevilla's success during his first spell. He adeptly integrated key players such as midfielder , whose vision and passing were pivotal in the 2014 Europa League win before his departure to , and forward , who contributed 51 goals across all competitions from 2013 to 2016. Domestically, Emery led Sevilla to consistent mid-table finishes—seventh in 2013–14, eighth in 2014–15, and seventh in 2015–16—while reaching the 2016 Copa del Rey final, where they lost 1–0 to . In the , Sevilla fell 3–2 to Real Madrid, but the match underscored their competitive edge against elite opposition. Emery's first stint ended on 24 May 2016 when he departed for Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Sevilla after three-and-a-half seasons marked by 119 wins in 199 matches, a 59.8% win rate, and a legacy of European dominance. He briefly returned on 4 October 2018 following Machín's dismissal, aiming to recapture past glories amid a poor start to the 2018–19 season. However, this second spell lasted only 11 matches, with five wins, ending in his sacking on 15 December 2018 after a 1–0 home loss to Espanyol, as the team struggled with form and integration issues.

Paris Saint-Germain

Unai Emery was appointed as of Paris Saint-Germain on 28 June 2016, signing a two-year contract to succeed , with his tenure lasting until the end of the 2017–18 season. During his time at the club, Emery led PSG to significant domestic success, securing a title in the 2017–18 season and achieving a domestic quadruple that year by also winning the , , and . In his debut season, he added the and , along with the 2017 , marking a total of seven trophies in two years and establishing PSG's dominance in French football. Emery's arrival coincided with the integration of high-profile talents, including the record-breaking €222 million signing of from in August 2017 and the loan acquisition of from later that month, forming a potent attacking trio alongside . This frontline propelled PSG to an unbeaten campaign in 2017–18, finishing with 93 points and a 13-point lead over runners-up , while Mbappé and contributed 33 and 19 league goals respectively in their debut seasons. Emery emphasized collective balance, rotating the trio to maintain squad harmony amid their individual brilliance. Despite domestic triumphs, Emery's European record drew criticism, with PSG exiting the in the round of 16 in both seasons under his management. In 2016–17, a 4–0 first-leg victory over was overturned by a 6–1 second-leg defeat, resulting in a 6–4 aggregate loss in one of the competition's most dramatic comebacks. The following year, PSG fell 5–2 on aggregate to Real Madrid, again in the round of 16, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities against elite opposition. Emery adapted his tactical approach at PSG, shifting from the high-pressing, counter-attacking style honed at Sevilla—where he had won three consecutive Europa Leagues—to a more possession-oriented 4–3–3 formation suited to the squad's technical quality, emphasizing sustained ball control and midfield dominance with players like . His overall win rate stood at 76.3%, reflecting strong results across competitions, yet mounting fan and media pressure following the Barcelona collapse led to his departure being announced on 27 April , with the club opting not to renew his contract despite the domestic haul.

Arsenal

Unai Emery was appointed as 's head coach on 23 May 2018, succeeding after the latter's 22-year tenure at the club. The Spaniard, who had recently left Paris Saint-Germain following a successful domestic campaign that included a title and a domestic quadruple, signed a two-year contract with the Gunners, bringing his reputation for European expertise to the . Emery's arrival was seen as a fresh start for , who had finished sixth in the season and sought to reclaim a top-four position. During his 18-month stint, Emery implemented tactical experiments centered around variations of the 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing high pressing, midfield control, and fluid attacking transitions to adapt his continental style to English football. However, these adjustments struggled to gel with an aging squad, resulting in a win rate of approximately 41% across 55 matches, marked by inconsistent performances and defensive vulnerabilities. finished fifth in the 2018–19 season, qualifying for the Europa League, but their form deteriorated in 2019–20, leaving them in 10th place after 13 games. Emery's tenure included notable achievements in cup competitions, such as reaching the 2019 Europa League final, where Arsenal lost 4–1 to Chelsea in , with scoring twice in what proved a decisive individual display. The team also advanced to the that season after a 3–1 semifinal victory over Manchester United, though they fell 2–1 to Chelsea in the final, denying Emery silverware in his debut campaign. These runs highlighted moments of European pedigree but were overshadowed by domestic struggles. Key challenges emerged from squad unrest and poor league form, exacerbated by an aging roster and internal tensions, including public friction with star striker , who was benched for disciplinary and performance reasons in high-profile matches like the against . Aubameyang's visible frustration, such as gestures after substitutions, underscored broader player dissatisfaction amid a winless streak that reached seven matches by late 2019. Fan protests intensified as Arsenal slipped to eighth place overall by the end of the truncated 2019–20 season under , reflecting the high expectations unmet during Emery's rebuild. Emery was sacked on 29 November 2019 following a 2–2 draw with Norwich City, with the club citing results and performances not meeting required standards after 78 games in charge. was appointed interim , marking the end of Emery's challenging period at , where he won 43% of all matches but failed to restore consistent competitiveness in the .

Villarreal

Unai Emery was appointed as Villarreal's manager on 23 July 2020, marking his return to following his dismissal from earlier that year. In his first season, he led the club to a remarkable Europa League triumph, defeating Manchester United 11–10 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the final on 26 May 2021; this victory marked Emery's fourth Europa League title as a manager and 's first major European trophy. The success highlighted Emery's expertise in European competitions, transforming a mid-table side into continental champions through disciplined preparation and tactical resilience. High-quality images and videos of Unai Emery celebrating the 2021 Europa League win, including iconic moments like lifting the trophy, hugging players, and emotional pitch-side reactions after the penalty shootout final, are available from official sources such as UEFA's highlights and Getty Images editorial photos. The following season, Emery guided to the Champions League semi-finals in 2021–22, where they were eliminated by with a 3–4 aggregate score (0–2 first leg, 3–2 second leg after extra time), becoming the first coach to reach two consecutive European semi-finals. This run underscored his ability to overachieve with limited resources, securing a seventh-place finish in while prioritizing European progression. Key to these accomplishments were standout performers like forward , who provided crucial goals and creativity, and midfielder , whose distribution and leadership anchored the midfield. Emery's tactical approach emphasized a compact 4-4-2 formation, focusing on organized defending in a mid-block and rapid counter-attacks to exploit transitions, which allowed to compete against elite opposition despite their modest budget. Emery's tenure ended on 25 October 2022 when he mutually agreed to depart for Aston Villa, having overseen 129 matches with 68 wins, 35 draws, and 26 losses, yielding a 53% win rate and an average of 1.78 points per match. This period represented a significant redemption arc after his challenging stints in and , reestablishing him as a elite tactician capable of delivering silverware with underdog teams.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery was appointed Aston Villa's manager on 1 November 2022, succeeding , with the team positioned 17th in the and only three points clear of the relegation zone. In his debut season, Emery implemented a structured defensive approach and emphasized build-up play from the back, leading to a dramatic improvement as Villa won 15 of their final 28 league fixtures to secure seventh place and qualification for the UEFA Conference League. The 2023–24 campaign marked further progress under Emery, as Aston Villa finished fourth in the —their highest placing since 1996—earning Champions League qualification for the 2024–25 season. Concurrently, the team advanced to the semi-finals of the Conference League, showcasing Emery's expertise in European competitions before a 6–2 aggregate defeat to Olympiacos. Emery extended his contract to 2029 in May 2024, reflecting the club's commitment to his vision amid this resurgence. In 2024–25, Aston Villa competed in the Champions League group stage but ultimately missed the top four, finishing sixth in the and securing entry to the for the following season. The campaign involved tactical adjustments, including shifts in midfield pressing to mitigate key injuries, though the team maintained competitiveness in domestic cups. As of November 2025, during the 2025–26 season, Aston Villa sit sixth in the while progressing in the Europa League, having recorded early victories such as a 2–0 home win over on 6 November, following an initial loss to . Emery's preferred 4–2–3–1 formation has evolved to incorporate fluid attacking roles, with striker thriving through enhanced hold-up play and goal-scoring output since Emery's arrival. Key contributor , signed from in January 2024, has become integral as a versatile No. 10, adding creativity and directness to the system's attacking transitions. In January 2026, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, media reports and pundits speculated that Emery could be a candidate for the Manchester United managerial vacancy. Sources such as the BBC highlighted his successful tenure at Aston Villa as a reason for consideration, while pundit Simon Jordan described him as "one of the best in class" and a suitable replacement. However, former Aston Villa player Gabby Agbonlahor stated he was "100% certain" that Emery would not leave for Manchester United, emphasizing his commitment to the club. Aston Villa supporters have also expressed doubts about the rumors, underscoring Emery's ongoing project at Villa.

Managerial statistics

Overall record

Unai Emery has amassed over 1,000 matches as a manager across his career spanning from 2004 to the present, achieving a total win rate of approximately 53% as of November 16, 2025. This aggregate record reflects his tenure at nine clubs, including significant periods in Spain, France, England, and a brief stint in Russia. Emery's performance demonstrates a notable disparity by competition type, with a higher success rate in cup tournaments—particularly European competitions—exceeding 60%, compared to roughly 50% in domestic league fixtures. His expertise in knockout formats is underscored by a 64% win rate in the , where he has secured four titles. Career progression reveals an upward trajectory in win percentages, starting from around 45% during his initial roles at Lorca Deportiva and , where he focused on lower-tier Spanish football, to peaks above 70% at Paris Saint-Germain and strong showings near 60% at Sevilla. This evolution highlights his adaptation to higher-profile environments and tactical refinements over time.
StatisticTotal
Matches1,038
Wins554
Draws220
Losses264
Win %53%

Club-by-club breakdown

Unai Emery's managerial tenure at each club is characterized by varying levels of success, with detailed records reflecting his performance across all competitions. The following breakdowns include total matches played, wins, draws, losses, win percentage, and points per match (PPM), drawn from comprehensive statistics. Highlights for best and worst seasons are noted where they provide key context for his impact at the club.

Lorca Deportiva (2004–2006)

Emery's first managerial role came at Lorca Deportiva in Spain's , where he stabilized the team during a transitional period.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
24115845.81.25
His best season was 2005–06, with a 50% win rate in 20 league matches, helping the club avoid relegation. The worst was his partial 2004–05 stint, with only 4 wins in 12 games.

Almería (2006–2008)

At , Emery guided the club from to La Liga promotion, marking a significant achievement in his early career.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
8436212742.91.62
The standout 2007–08 season saw an 80% points haul in the promotion push, with 24 wins in 42 league games. His worst was 2006–07, with a 38% win rate amid adaptation challenges.

Valencia (2008–2012)

Emery's time at featured consistent top-four finishes and European progress, though trophyless.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
22096527243.61.72
Best season: 2009–10, with 23 wins in 38 matches (1.89 PPM). Worst: 2011–12, 15 wins and 1.47 PPM, leading to his departure.

Spartak Moscow (2012)

Emery's brief stint in was hampered by language barriers and club instability.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
26117842.31.50
The only partial season (2012) had no distinct best/worst split, but early wins (4 in first 6) contrasted with later losses.

Sevilla (2013–2016)

Emery excelled at Sevilla, building a European powerhouse with back-to-back Europa League triumphs.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
205100376848.81.78
Best: 2013–14, 25 wins and Europa League victory (1.92 PPM). Worst: 2015–16 start, with 7 losses in first 15 before recovery.

Paris Saint-Germain (2016–2018)

At PSG, Emery won the domestic double but faced criticism for Champions League exits.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
11479211469.32.42
Best: title with 29 wins in 38 (2.55 PPM). Worst: 2016–17 Champions League knockout loss after group stage dominance.

Arsenal (2018–2019)

Emery's spell ended prematurely amid inconsistent results and fan pressure.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
7839192050.01.85
Best: Early 2018–19 Europa League run (unbeaten in 11). Worst: Late 2019 league form, 1 win in 8 before sacking.

(2020–2022)

Emery transformed into Europa League champions, reaching Champions League semis.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
12958333845.01.60
Best: 2020–21 Europa League win (15 wins in competition). Worst: 2021–22 league mid-table finish (1.32 PPM).

Aston Villa (2022–present)

As of November 16, 2025, Emery has revitalized Aston Villa, securing European qualification and strong 2025–26 form, including progress in the league phase.
MatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
15772355045.91.60
Best: 2023–24 (7th in , 1.84 PPM). Worst: Partial 2022–23 relegation fight turnaround (initial 1 win in 11). In 2025–26, 6 wins in 12 league games so far.

Achievements

Team honours

Unai Emery has won a total of 11 major trophies as a manager, with a particular emphasis on European and domestic success in and .

Almería

Emery guided to promotion to for the first time in the club's history in the 2006–07 season, finishing second in . No major trophies were won during his tenure at or Spartak .

Sevilla

Under Emery's management, Sevilla secured three consecutive titles from 2014 to 2016, defeating Benfica on penalties in 2014, 3–2 in 2015, and 3–1 in 2016. These victories established a club record and highlighted Emery's expertise in European competition.

Paris Saint-Germain

At PSG, Emery led the team to the title in the 2017–18 season, amassing 93 points from 38 matches with only three defeats. He also achieved a domestic quadruple in 2017–18, winning the in 2017 (1–0 vs. ) and 2018 (2–0 vs. Les Herbiers VF), the in 2017 (3–1 vs. ) and 2018 (3–0 vs. ), and the in 2017 (2–1 vs. ) and 2018 (4–1 vs. ).

Villarreal

Emery won the with in 2021, defeating Manchester United 11–10 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the final, marking his fourth such triumph overall.

Arsenal and Aston Villa

No major trophies were won during Emery's tenures at from 2018 to 2019 or at Aston Villa since 2022, as of November 2025.

Individual recognitions

Unai Emery has garnered notable individual recognition for his managerial prowess, particularly in European competitions and domestic leagues. In 2018, he was awarded the UNFP Manager of the Year for guiding Paris Saint-Germain to the league title and a domestic quadruple, marking the first such honor for a non-French coach in recent years. Emery holds the record for the most titles won by a manager, with four victories—three consecutive triumphs with Sevilla (2014, 2015, 2016) and one with (2021)—establishing him as the competition's most successful tactician. This achievement underscores his expertise in European knockout football, where he has also amassed the most wins (56) and managed the most games (93) in the tournament's history. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has frequently ranked Emery among the world's elite club coaches. He placed sixth in their Best Club Coach of the Decade ranking for 2011–2020, fifth overall in 2021 following Villarreal's Europa League success, and tenth in 2024 amid Aston Villa's strong campaign. These consistent top-10 finishes highlight his sustained impact across multiple clubs and leagues. By November 2025, Emery has achieved over 550 career managerial wins across more than 1,000 matches, a milestone reflecting his longevity and effectiveness since beginning his coaching career in 2004. His leadership in securing Villa's qualification for the further cemented his reputation, though specific awards for this feat remain pending as the season progresses.

References

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