Javier Clemente Lázaro, adding another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career, guided Libya to victory in the CHAN 2014 tournament by defeating Ghana in a thrilling penalty shootout.
Born on March 12, 1950, in Barakaldo, Spain, Clemente’s journey in football has been marked by both success and challenges. His playing career was cut short by injury at the age of 21, but he transitioned into coaching, where he found great success.
As a coach, Clemente achieved notable milestones, including winning the Spanish championship twice with Athletic Bilbao in 1983 and 1984. He also led Espanyol Barcelona to the UEFA Cup final in 1988. Clemente served as the coach of the Spain national team from 1992 to 1998 and later coached other teams such as Cameroon, Serbia, and Libya.
Throughout his coaching career, Clemente has been recognized for his excellence, winning the Don Balón Award for best coach in La Liga three times.
His recent triumph with Libya in the African Nations Football Championship adds another remarkable chapter to his coaching legacy, highlighting his ability to succeed on the international stage.
Here’s an overview of his coaching career:
- 1975-1976: Arenas Club de Getxo
- 1976-1978: CD Baskonia
- 1980-1981: Athletic Bilbao B
- 1981-1986: Athletic Bilbao
- 1986-1989: Espanyol Barcelona
- 1989-1990: Atlético de Madrid
- 1990-1991: Athletic Bilbao
- 1991-1992: Espanyol Barcelona
- 1992-1998: Spain
- 1998-1999: Betis Sevilla
- 1999-2000: Real Sociedad
- 2000-2001: Olympique de Marseille
- 2001-2002: CD Tenerife
- 2002-2004: Espanyol Barcelona
- 2005-2006: Athletic Bilbao
- 2006-2007: Serbia
- 2008-2009: Real Murcia
- Apr.-May 2010: Real Valladolid
- Aug. 2010-Oct. 2011: Cameroon
- Feb. 2012-2012: Sporting de Gijón
- Oct. 2013-: Libya
His notable player achievements include winning the Spanish Cup in 1969, and as a coach, he won the Spanish Championship in 1983 and 1984, the Spanish Cup in 1984, and the Spanish Super Cup in 1984. He was also a finalist in the UEFA Cup in 1988.
Individually, Clemente has been honored with the Don Balón Award for best coach in La Liga three times.
