Rafael Márquez has been confirmed as Mexico’s new national team coach, days after their World Cup last-16 exit.
The former Mexico star and assistant coach succeeds his mentor Javier Aguirre, the Mexican football federation said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The appointment of Rafael Márquez is part of an orderly transition,” the federation said.
The 47-year-old’s promotion to head coach had been planned since he was appointed assistant coach two years ago, with the move set for after the World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Aguirre, who is 20 years older than Márquez, had prepared him for the role with an eye on the 2030 World Cup.
Following Mexico’s dramatic 3-2 last-16 defeat to England at the Azteca Stadium, Aguirre, known as “El Vasco,” confirmed the end of his third spell as national coach.
Márquez is an icon of Mexican football. The former Barcelona defender played at five World Cups for Mexico and is regarded as one of the country’s greatest former players.
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