On July 6, 2025, FC Porto officially announced the appointment of Francesco Farioli as their new head coach, signing him on a two-year contract through the summer of 2027. Farioli, a 36-year-old Italian tactician, replaces Martín_Anselmi, who departed earlier this month following a disappointing Club World Cup and a third-place finish in the 2024–25 Primeira Liga.
From Philosophy Graduate to Tactical Innovator
Farioli’s journey is far from the traditional managerial path. Born in Barga, Tuscany, in April 1989, he began his career as an amateur goalkeeper and later earned a Philosophy degree from the University of Florence.. His first coaching roles were as a goalkeeping coach and assistant in Italy, which paved the way for a move to the Middle East and Qatar’s youth teams.
Coaching Footprint Across Europe
| Club | Tenure | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Fatih Karagümrük (Turkey) | 2021 | Introduced possession-based play |
| Alanyaspor (Turkey) | 2021–2023 | Solid mid-table finishes |
| OGC Nice (France) | 2023–2024 | 5th in Ligue 1, Europa League qualification. |
| Ajax (Netherlands) | 2024–May 2025 | Led majority of Eredivisie season, lost 9-point lead late |
Each stop saw Farioli bring an emphasis on possession-based, high-pressing, and tactical flexibility, underpinned by influences from Roberto De Zerbi.
Why Anselmi Was Let Go
Martín Anselmi, appointed in January 2025, oversaw only 10 wins in 21 matches, a 3rd-place league finish, and a sobering exit at the Club World Cup — drawing two games and losing to Inter Miami — leading to his departure. Porto’s president, André Villas‑Boas, acknowledged the situation as “shameful and embarrassing,” saying next season must be “worthy of FC Porto and that we win the title”.
Farioli’s Blueprint for Success at Porto
Analysts expect Farioli to bring:
- Possession-oriented football with building from the back.
- Aggressive high-pressing, seeking to regain possession swiftly.
- Tactical fluidity, adapting formations based on opposition.
- Midfield control and player movement to exploit spaces.
Given Porto’s “trophyless” 2024–25 season—a rarity since 2020–21—Farioli’s task is clear: restore domestic dominance and re-enter the UEFA Champions League.
Setting the Stage for 2025–26
Porto ended last season nine points adrift of champions Sporting CP. and suffered elimination in continental competition. Farioli inherits a project that includes new signings like Nehuén Pérez, while others return from loan spells (e.g., Fábio Cardoso, Francisco Conceição) as Porto reshapes its summer squad..
The new campaign kicks off with a home fixture against Vitória Guimarães on August 10, 2025, marking the first opportunity to showcase Farioli’s philosophy in action.
Insights & Fan Perspective
Early reactions from fans and observers are mixed but hopeful. On Reddit’s r/soccer one user noted:
“Good luck FF. He left our club in a better state after just one year so it’ll be interesting to see what he can do there.”.
There’s optimism that Farioli’s modern, cerebral approach could be the catalyst Porto needs to reclaim a place at the top of Portuguese football.
What Lies Ahead
- Short-term (2025/26): Stabilize tactics, challenge for the Primeira Liga, and re-enter Champions League.
- Mid-term (through 2027): Establish a consistent playing identity, raise the next generation, and deliver domestic and European silverware.
- Long-term: Rebuild Porto as a top-tier contender in Europe and beyond.
Farioli’s arrival represents a bold shift—embracing a younger, academically inclined coach with broad tactical exposure. As Porto enter this new chapter under Villas‑Boas’s presidency, expectations are high: domestic silver, tactical evolution, and continental revival.
Bottom line: Francesco Farioli’s appointment as FC Porto’s head coach on July 6, 2025, signals an ambitious project — restoring Porto to its historic standards through progressive, possession-based football. With a two-year deal, Farioli has a clear mandate: build a winning team and return Porto to the zenith of Portuguese and European football.
