Unai Emery

Unai Emery Etxegoien is a Spanish football manager and former player, born in Hondarribia, Spain, on 3 November 1971.

Unai Emery Etxegoien is a Spanish football manager and former player, born in Hondarribia, Spain, on 3 November 1971. He is best known for coaching Sevilla to three consecutive UEFA Europa League titles, and for later managing Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Villarreal, and Aston Villa.

Early life and playing career

Emery was born in Hondarribia and came from a family with a goalkeeping background. As a player, he was a midfielder who spent most of his career in Spain’s lower leagues before injury forced his retirement.

Coaching career

He moved into management immediately after retiring, starting with Lorca Deportiva CF and later coaching Almería, Valencia, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Villarreal, and Aston Villa.

Major honours

Emery is widely noted for his record in the UEFA Europa League, with titles won at Sevilla, Villarreal, and Aston Villa. He also won domestic trophies in France while managing Paris Saint-Germain.

Aston Villa period

Emery took charge of Aston Villa in 2022 and oversaw the club’s return to major European competition, including a Conference League semi-final in 2024 and a Champions League quarter-final run in 2025.