Newcastle United legend Nolberto Solano named as Pakistan coach
Solano succeeds Stephen Constantine, with his first major assignment being the AFC Under-23 Qualifiers in September, where Pakistan have been drawn alongside Cambodia, Iraq, and Oman.
Newcastle United legend Nolberto Solano has been appointed head coach of both Pakistan's senior and under-23 national football teams.
Solano succeeds Stephen Constantine, with his first major assignment being the AFC Under-23 Qualifiers in September, where Pakistan have been drawn alongside Cambodia, Iraq, and Oman.
He will also oversee the remainder of Pakistan's 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign, which includes a crucial double-header against Afghanistan in October.
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His appointment marks the first major move by the newly-elected Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) under the leadership of its new president, Mohsen Gilani.
"Under President Mohsen Gilani's leadership, the PFF proudly welcomes Nolberto Solano as head coach of Pakistan U23, with a pathway to the senior team!" the PFF announced on X (formerly Twitter), hailing the former Peru winger.
"A true legend with Premier League, World Cup, and Copa América experience — it's a new era for Pakistan football."
Solano previously served as assistant coach of the Peru national team when they qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia — their first appearance at the tournament in 36 years. He stepped down from the role in 2022 after Peru failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing to Australia in an intercontinental play-off.
Stephen Constantine guided Pakistan to their first-ever victory in a World Cup qualifier in October 2023. Since the expiration of his one-year contract in November, he had been managing the team on a match-by-match basis.
