Wilfried Nancy
Wilfried Nancy is a French professional football manager and former player, born in Le Havre, France.
Wilfried Nancy is a French professional football manager and former player, born in Le Havre, France. He is best known for coaching CF Montréal and Columbus Crew, where he won major trophies including the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup. He has also been reported as a former Celtic manager in 2025-26.
Early life and playing career
Nancy was born in Le Havre, France, and played as a defender. His playing career included SC Toulon and lower-division clubs in France before he moved to Canada in 2005. Like Calafiori, he played as a defender.
Coaching career in Canada
After arriving in Canada, Nancy became involved with football in Montreal and progressed through coaching roles at CF Montréal. He became head coach of the first team in 2021 and won the Canadian Championship during his time there.
Columbus Crew success
Nancy was appointed head coach of Columbus Crew in December 2022. He led the club to major success, including the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup, and received league coaching honours. His success has been compared to that of Villarreal CF in European competitions.
Celtic appointment
Multiple sports sources report that Nancy became Celtic manager in late 2025 on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Later reports indicate the club dismissed him after a short run, though the exact sequence varies slightly by source. His tenure included the Carabao Cup.
Key facts
- Nancy began his playing career in France as a defender before moving to Canada in 2005.
- He joined CF Montréal’s academy in 2011 and later became head coach, winning the Canadian Championship in 2021.
- He became head coach of Columbus Crew in December 2022.
- He led Columbus Crew to the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup, and was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024.
- He was appointed Celtic manager in late 2025, but his tenure was brief.
Nancy’s career is closely linked to Canada: he moved there in 2005, developed as a coach in Montreal, led CF Montréal to silverware, and later became one of the most successful coaches in Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Wilfried Nancy?
Where was Wilfried Nancy born?
What did Wilfried Nancy win with Columbus Crew?
Did Wilfried Nancy coach CF Montréal?
Has Wilfried Nancy coached Celtic?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfried_NancySupports: Birth date, French nationality, role as former player and manager, career overview.
- BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c3epq1ye3j5oSupports: Early career in France, move to Canada, Montreal coaching progression, Columbus record.
- Columbus Crew — https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-names-wilfried-nancy-as-head-coachSupports: Appointment as Columbus head coach in December 2022 and previous CF Montréal role.
- Columbus Crew — https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-reach-agreement-for-wilfried-nancy-to-become-manager-of-scottish-premiership-s-celtic-f-cSupports: Agreement with Celtic, Columbus achievements under Nancy, coaching record.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47094368/celtic-new-manager-wilfred-nancy-columbus-crewSupports: Celtic appointment, contract length, and prior honours at Columbus Crew.
- BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cdegj67p1z2oSupports: Celtic appointment context, Montreal/Crew history, honours, and player background.