Manolo Marquez, former coach of the Indian national football team, is set to return to FC Goa as head coach for the upcoming 2025-26 season, marking his third tenure with the popular Indian Super League club.
The Goan Homecoming for “The Don”
FC Goa officially announced the re-signing of Manolo Marquez on Friday, welcoming back the Spanish tactician to their helm. The club affectionately refers to him as “The Don,” signifying his strong influence and connection with the team.
Marquez himself expressed his enthusiasm for the return, citing his happiness during his previous two seasons where the team showed consistent improvement. He lauded FC Goa’s exceptional level of organization, stating it’s rarely seen in Indian club football, making it a very special place for him. For Marquez, continuing his career in India meant only one destination: FC Goa.
A Challenging Chapter with the National Team
Marquez’s return to FC Goa follows his recent resignation from the Indian national team, a decision reached by mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) earlier in July 2025. His stint as the Blue Tigers’ coach proved challenging, with the team managing only one win in their last eight matches.
The national team’s struggles in 2025 saw them record two losses, one win, and one draw in four games. These results significantly impacted India’s FIFA ranking, causing a drop to 133rd, their lowest position in nine years. Even the return of iconic striker Sunil Chhetri from retirement couldn’t turn their fortunes around.
Marquez’s Enduring Legacy with the Gaurs
Having first joined FC Goa in 2023, Manolo Marquez has already established himself as the longest-serving head coach for the Gaurs. During his previous campaigns, he oversaw an impressive 62 matches across all competitions, showcasing his deep commitment and strategic vision for the club.
Last year, Marquez even took on a dual role, simultaneously guiding FC Goa in the 2024-25 ISL season while also managing the national team. This demonstrates his dedication and capability to handle high-pressure environments.
Uncertainty Looms Over ISL’s Future
Meanwhile, the broader landscape of Indian football, specifically the Indian Super League (ISL), is currently experiencing a period of uncertainty. The league is reportedly “on hold” due to ongoing discussions concerning the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement.
This critical agreement, which governs the partnership between the AIFF and the league’s organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), is set to expire on December 8. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly shape the future direction of the ISL.
- Manolo Marquez returns to FC Goa for his third stint as head coach for the 2025-26 season.
- He recently resigned from the Indian national team after a difficult period, which saw India’s FIFA ranking drop.
- Marquez is FC Goa’s longest-serving head coach, having managed 62 matches since 2023.
- The Indian Super League is currently “on hold” due to an expiring Master Rights Agreement between AIFF and FSDL.
Marquez’s return offers a familiar and strong presence for FC Goa as they look ahead to the next season amidst these developments in Indian football.
