Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, has been appointed as the head coach of Greek club giants Panathinaikos, Afrosport reports.
The 65-year-old Spaniard replaces Christos Kontis, who was dismissed after Thursday’s night’s 3-1 Europa League defeat away at Feyenoord.
According to reports in Greece, Benitez had signed a two-year contract with Panathinaikos, with the option of a further year worth €4 million per season, making him the highest paid coach in the history of the Greek top flight.
He was most recently in charge of Celta Vigo in his native Spain but was dismissed after just eight months in March 2024.
Panathinaikos welcomes Rafa Benítez as the club’s new head coach.
This is the start of a new era. ☘️#PAOFC #Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/hgkRPDGYVH— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) October 24, 2025
Benitez was famous for guiding Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League title in 2005 and the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013. He also had domestic and European successes with Valencia, Inter Milan and Napoli.
Panathinaikos currently sit seventh in the Greek Super League, eight points behind leaders PAOK FC, and will face Asteras Tripolis on Sunday.
