Off to the desert: Pirlo has a new job

Andrea Pirlo is making a surprising new start in his coaching career – and in an unusual environment. The Italian is moving to the United Arab Emirates' second division.

July 25, 2025

From: never

"We are proud to announce Andrea Pirlo as the new coach of United FC," said a press release from his new employer on Friday. "With his vision, passion, and winning mentality, a new chapter begins." For Pirlo, this is his fourth stint as head coach, and the 46-year-old's second time abroad. He gained his first experience at Juventus between August 2020 and June 2021, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa with the Bianconeri. Despite the trophies, the partnership ended after just one season.

A year later, Pirlo signed for Karagümrük in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he terminated his contract three games before the end of the season. The 2006 World Cup winner last played for Sampdoria, but his bid to return to Serie A failed in the 2023/24 season – and thus also the former world-class player, who has been without a job since August 2024. Now he's starting a new chapter at second-division club United FC.