18 Facts About Julen Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui added 168 appearances in the Segunda Division for three clubs, winning one cap for Spain and being a member of the squad at the 1994 World Cup.

Julen Lopetegui was head coach of the senior national team for two years, but was dismissed before the start of the 2018 World Cup following the announcement of his agreement to join Real Madrid after the tournament.

Julen Lopetegui was a starter in his first two seasons at Rayo, culminating with their play-off final win over Extremadura in June 1999.

Julen Lopetegui was picked for the squad at that year's FIFA World Cup.

Julen Lopetegui was one of Spain coach Juan Santisteban's assistants at the 2003 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

From 2010 to 2014, Julen Lopetegui worked with the Spanish youth teams, winning the 2012 European Under-19 Championship and the 2013 Under-21 Championship.

Julen Lopetegui left the Royal Spanish Football Federation on 30 April 2014, following the expiration of his contract.

Julen Lopetegui returned to club duties on 6 May 2014, being appointed at Portugal's Porto.

Julen Lopetegui signed seven Spanish players to the club that summer.

Julen Lopetegui failed to win any silverware, contributing to the longest drought during Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa's presidency.

On 21 July 2016, after being strongly linked to English side Wolverhampton Wanderers which was under new ownership, Julen Lopetegui was announced as the new manager of the Spain national team following Vicente del Bosque's retirement.

On 12 June 2018, with the team already in Russia for the tournament, it was announced that Julen Lopetegui would take over as the head coach of Real Madrid on a three-year contract after the conclusion of Spain's involvement at the World Cup.

On 5 June 2019, Julen Lopetegui was appointed as the new Sevilla manager on a three-year contract.

Julen Lopetegui agreed to a further two-year extension on 10 January 2021.

Julen Lopetegui was approached again and, on 5 November 2022, announced he would become the club's new head coach effective 14 November.

On 23 May 2024, Julen Lopetegui remained in the English top division as the new head coach of West Ham United, taking the place of the recently departed David Moyes; he signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

Julen Lopetegui highlighted Lopetegui's fit to work in big clubs saying that 'Julen perfectly understands what a big club needs, he has his requests, but it's normal, and he always works in sync with the club.

Julen Lopetegui is demanding but only for the good of those who appointed him and never out of selfishness.