Fabio Cannavaro, Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or laureate, has officially been appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team, the country’s football association announced on Monday.
The move marks a bold new era for the Central Asian side, who recently achieved the greatest milestone in their footballing history — qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.
A World Champion for a First-Time World Cup Team
In a statement posted on Instagram — and reshared by Cannavaro himself — the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) confirmed the appointment, calling it a landmark signing for the nation.
“The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro — a renowned specialist, one of the best defenders of his generat