Paco Jémez appointed Raja Club Athletic head coach

Paco Jémez has been appointed the new head coach of Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic, marking the start of a new era for the Casablanca-based club.

The 56-year-old Spaniard takes charge following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi, with Raja turning to Jémez’s extensive experience in both Spanish and international football.

Jémez is a familiar figure in Spain, having managed several clubs during a coaching career that has included spells at Rayo Vallecano, Las Palmas, Córdoba, Granada and Ibiza.

He has also worked outside Spain, taking charge of Mexican side Cruz Azul and Iranian club Tractor.

Jémez is particularly recognised for his attacking philosophy and preference for possession-based football. His teams are typically built around taking the initiative, controlling matches and playing on the front foot.

His reputation was strengthened during his time at Rayo Vallecano, where he developed a side that played with considerable ambition despite regularly facing clubs with significantly greater financial resources.

Under Jémez, Rayo became known for their fearless approach against some of Spanish football’s biggest teams, making the coach a distinctive figure in La Liga.

He now faces a different challenge in Morocco, where expectations will be high at one of the country’s most successful and widely supported clubs.

Raja will hope Jémez can quickly impose his footballing philosophy and build a team capable of competing for major domestic and continental honours.

The appointment also represents a significant change in direction for the club following Nabi’s tenure, with Jémez bringing a wealth of experience and a clearly defined tactical identity.

For Jémez, the move to Casablanca provides an opportunity to make his mark on Moroccan football and begin another chapter in an increasingly international managerial career.