Francesco Farioli Appointed FC Porto Manager on Three-Year Deal

FC Porto have named Francesco Farioli as their new head coach. The Italian coach has signed a contract until June 2025 to lead the team to long-term success.

According to a previous report, Farioli will sign a two-year deal with FC Porto.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Farioli has succeeded Martín Anselmi, whose departure was announced earlier this month. The decision to appoint Farioli was made by club president André Villas-Boas, who has backed the Italian manager to take Porto forward in both the short term and the long term.

A previous report noted that FC Porto is hiring Francesco Farioli after ending Martín Anselmi’s six-month term.

The 36-year-old brings experience from his recent spells at Nice and Ajax. He is known for his tactical acumen and progressive style of play. He was appointed shortly after signing a new Ajax contract after nearly winning the Eredivisie title last season.

WHAT DID FARIOLI AND VILLAS-BOAS SAY?

Farioli told Porto’s official website: “I’m delighted and proud to be joining FC Porto. It’s a club with a glorious tradition and an absolute focus on winning. I know I’ll be working with world-class talent and looking forward to helping to achieve more success.”

Villas-Boas reaffirmed his faith in Farioli and described the appointment as a new era for the club as he said: “I’m delighted to welcome Francesco as our new head coach. This is a new phase in the club’s history following the departure of club legend Martin Anselmi.”

He added: “Francesco is well respected throughout Europe and admired for his tactical brilliance, technical abilities and attacking focus. He is the right man to lead our Club forward and I believe we will take our first steps on an exciting journey as we take FC Porto into the next era.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Farioli started his coaching career in Italy as assistant manager and goalkeeping coach before becoming head coach at Turkish clubs Karagümrük and Alanyaspor. Then he coached Nice and Ajax, who struggled to maintain momentum following his injury in the squad last season.

FC Porto finished third in the 2024/25 Primeira Liga season, nine points behind champions Sporting CP.

A previous report confirmed this performance and highlighted that returning to the top of European football is now the priority for the club after managing to progress beyond the group stage in the Club World Cup.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Farioli’s experience coaching in Europe and his track record of integrating young players into the first team will stand Porto in good stead as the club prepares for its upcoming matches under a new manager.