Real Madrid great Michel Salgado begins first full managerial role in Brazil

Michel Salgado will take charge of Brazilian fourth-tier side North Esporte from the start of the 2027 season, the club have announced.

The appointment represents the former Spain and Real Madrid defender’s first full-time role as a head coach since retiring from playing.

North Esporte, based in Montes Claros in the state of Minas Gerais, confirmed the news on their official social media accounts, saying: “Welcome… Michel Salgado is the new head coach of North for the 2027 season.”

The club said it would benefit from the 50-year-old’s experience, leadership and competitive mentality.

Salgado will replace former Brazil international Kleberson, who won the 2002 World Cup and remained in charge of North until this month.

Speaking in Portuguese in a video released by the club from Dubai, Salgado said: “I love challenges, I am eager to travel to Brazil and I am ready to achieve great results.”

He was then shown signing his contract alongside North president Victor Oliveira.

North are preparing for a significant 2027 campaign after winning the Trofeu Independencia this year. That success secured the club places in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie D and the Copa do Brasil, marking their first participation in national competitions.

Founded in 2022, North won the second division of the regional Campeonato Mineiro in 2025. They made their first appearance in the top division of the Campeonato Mineiro this year.

The role will be Salgado’s first genuine opportunity to lead a team on a permanent basis. His previous coaching experience consisted of working as an assistant to Javier Aguirre with the Egypt national team between 2018 and 2019, as well as serving as caretaker manager of Cypriot club Pafos.

Salgado is expected to arrive in Brazil in November to begin preparations with North for the new season.

He spent 10 seasons with Real Madrid between 1999 and 2009, making 371 appearances for the Spanish club. During that period he won 11 trophies, including two Champions League titles and four La Liga championships.

His honours with Real Madrid also included three Spanish Super Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

At international level, Salgado won 53 caps for Spain and represented his country at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2000.

His move into management at North Esporte opens a new chapter in a career that began with a decade at one of Europe’s leading clubs and included major domestic and international honours.