Italy legend Andrea Pirlo has been appointed head coach of Dubai-based United FC, a rapidly growing club founded in 2022. Bringing extensive playing and coaching experience, Pirlo aims to lead the ambitious team to new heights. He has already arrived in Dubai and will begin training ahead of their season opener against Al Dhaid on September 20.
Italy’s legendary midfielder and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has officially embarked on a fresh chapter in his managerial career as the newly appointed head coach of Dubai-based United FC. The club, only founded in 2022, has quickly risen through the ranks of UAE football and now looks to Pirlo’s vast experience to push them toward greater heights in the country’s competitive first division.
United FC, also known as Dubai United, is a rapidly emerging Emirati professional football club. Founded just under three years ago in September 2022, the club immediately set ambitious goals for itself. Under the leadership of President Ilie Cebanu, the club has focused on laying a strong foundation both on and off the pitch. Playing home matches at Dubai’s ISD Stadium Pitch, United FC has paired its investment in infrastructure with impressive on-field results.In their inaugural 2022-23 season, United FC earned promotion from the UAE Second Division by finishing second, boasting the best offensive and defensive records in the league. Their dramatic end to that campaign included crucial victories over Fleetwood United FC and Al-Hilal United FC, securing their spot in the UAE First Division for the 2025-26 season.
With such rapid progress, the appointment of Andrea Pirlo signals United FC’s desire to establish themselves as a formidable force in the UAE. Club President Ilie Cebanu expressed his enthusiasm:“We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family. He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level.”
The club’s official statement added: