Nov 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo (21) brings the ball up the field during the game against Columbus Crew in the 2nd half of the Eastern Conference semifinal at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

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Andrea Pirlo Named Head Coach of UAE Side United FC

This will be Pirlo’s fourth senior managerial role, following stints at Juventus, Fatih Karagumruk, and most recently, Sampdoria.

Andrea Pirlo has been confirmed as the new head coach of United FC, which competes in the UAE First Division. The Italy legend has signed a two-year deal with the Dubai-based club. It will keep him at the helm till summer 2027. With Pirlo’s arrival, United FC are hoping to elevate their status in the UAE football scene.

United FC was founded in September 2022. Despite its short history, the team made headlines by earning promotion from the UAE second division in its debut campaign. The club also successfully retained its place in the UAE First Division last season. The 45-year-old’s appointment signals United FC’s ambition to continue its dramatic rise in Emirati football.

🚨🇦🇪 Andrea Pirlo signs in as new UAE club United FC head coach, agreement done with Dubai’s side. pic.twitter.com/3UqDH3FKGk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025

This will be Pirlo’s fourth senior managerial role, following stints at Juventus, Fatih Karagumruk, and most recently, Sampdoria. His coaching debut came with Juventus in the 2020–21 season, where he led the club to a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana win, though he was dismissed after one season.

A New Challenge for Pirlo

After a year in Turkey with Fatih Karagumruk, he returned to Italy with Sampdoria in 2023. Pirlo was tasked with guiding Sampdoria back to Serie A following relegation. However, the club finished 7th in Serie B and failed to secure promotion, resulting in Pirlo’s dismissal just after one season in charge.

So far, Pirlo’s managerial career has been patchy, marked by short stints and mixed results. Despite flashes of promise, he has struggled to deliver long-term success. Now, with his move to United FC, Pirlo will get a chance to reset and prove himself away from the constant scrutiny of European football. Pirlo’s first competitive match is currently scheduled for September 20, against Al Dhaid.

Widely known as ‘Maestro’ for his passing vision and technique, Pirlo enjoyed an illustrious playing career with AC Milan and Juventus, winning six Serie A titles, two Champions League trophies. Notably, Pirlo also lifted the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy. He retired in 2017 after a two-year stint in Major League Soccer with New York City FC, ending a career that earned him 116 international caps.

Andrea Pirlo

United FC

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.