Biography
Who is Marcelo Bielsa?
Early life and playing career
Marcelo Bielsa Alberto Bielsa was born on July 21, 1955, in Rosario, Argentina. He grew up with siblings María Eugenia Bielsa and Rafael Bielsa. During his early years in football, he played as a defender for several clubs including Newell's Old Boys, Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba, and Argentino de Rosario. He also represented the Argentina national under-23 football team during the 1976 Pre-Olympic Tournament.
After playing in the First Division for Newell's Old Boys, Marcelo decided to end his playing career at the age of 25. He chose to transition into coaching and management, starting by working with the youth divisions of Newell's Old Boys before taking charge of the first team in 1990.
Club management career
In 1990, Marcelo took over as manager of the Newell's Old Boys first team. He led the squad to victory in the 1990 Torneo Apertura and the 1990-91 Torneo Integración after defeating Boca Juniors on penalties. His team also reached the final of the 1992 Copa Libertadores, losing to São Paulo on penalties, before winning the 1992 Torneo Clausura weeks later. He later moved to Mexico to coach Club Atlas and Club América.
Returning to Argentina in 1997, Marcelo managed Vélez Sarsfield and led them to the 1998 Clausura league title. In Spain, he managed Athletic Bilbao from 2011 to 2013, guiding the club to domestic and continental cup finals in his first season. He also managed Marseille in France before taking over at English club Leeds United in June 2018.
Leeds United and international management
Marcelo served as the manager of Championship club Leeds United, taking charge of 170 games. He led Leeds United to promotion back to the Premier League in 2020 following a 16-year absence after winning the 2019-20 EFL Championship. He departed from Leeds United in February 2022 and remains a popular figure among the club's supporters.
In international football, Marcelo managed the Argentina national team, leading them to win the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games and finish as runners-up in the 2004 Copa América. He also managed the Chile national team, guiding them to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In 2023, he became the manager of Uruguay, leading the team to the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa América.
Birthday and age
Marcelo Bielsa was born on July 21, 1955, which makes Marcelo 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Marcelo shares the date with 57 other famous people.
Explore more
