Ecuador appoint Marcelo Gallardo as new head coach after Al-Ittihad spell

Ecuador have appointed former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo as their new head coach as they look to regain stability and begin a new chapter with the national team.

The Ecuadorian Football Federation confirmed the appointment, with president Francisco Egas announcing the decision in a video posted on social media.

“We brought in Marcelo Gallardo because of what he has achieved, but above all because of what he represents. Welcome to Ecuador, Marcelo,” Egas said.

Gallardo, 50, is the most successful manager in River Plate’s history. During his time in charge, he guided the club to 14 trophies, including two Copa Libertadores titles and one Copa Sudamericana crown.

The Argentine left River Plate in February after establishing a distinguished record at the club, where he had also begun his professional playing career in 1993.

His appointment represents Gallardo’s first role in charge of a national team. His previous managerial positions were all at club level, and he succeeds fellow Argentine Sebastian Beccacece as Ecuador head coach.

Gallardo takes over with Ecuador seeking to recover from the disappointment of their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. They lost 2-0 to Mexico in the round of 32 of the qualifiers.

The new manager previously had a brief spell in charge of Saudi club Al-Ittihad before returning to lead River Plate. His move to Ecuador now gives him his first opportunity to manage at international level.

As a player, Gallardo operated in midfield and represented Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. He later built his coaching reputation at River Plate, where his trophy haul made him the club’s most successful manager.