Eric Chelle, the Franco-Malian tactician who recently guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, has set his sights on a historic move: managing Spanish giants Real Madrid.
If realized, it would mark the first time an African coach takes the helm at one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
Chelle’s journey to this point has been one of determination, tactical intelligence, and steady progression.
Before taking charge of the Super Eagles, he built a reputation in African football as a coach capable of transforming teams. His approach in Morocco combined disciplined defensive organization with fluid attacking transitions, a balance that won admiration from both pundits and rival coaches.
Under his leadership, Nigeria displayed resilience and flair, culminating in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana to secure the bronze medal.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to test myself at the highest level,” Chelle said after AFCON. “Managing Real Madrid would be the pinnacle of my ambitions. It’s not just about trophies; it’s about proving that African coaches have what it takes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
The prospect of Chelle at Real Madrid carries symbolic weight. European football has long been criticized for underrepresenting African and other non-European managers at elite clubs.
Chelle’s potential move could signal a shift, opening doors for talented coaches from Africa who have historically been overlooked despite strong track records.
Football analysts note that Chelle’s tactical flexibility, man-management skills, and ability to build cohesive squads make him an attractive candidate for top European clubs. Beyond his achievements with Nigeria, his rise highlights a growing trend of African coaches gaining visibility and respect on the international stage.
While no official approach from Real Madrid has been reported, Chelle’s name has already been linked to several European clubs, suggesting that the Moroccan AFCON campaign may have been his global audition.
Whether he ends up at the Santiago Bernabéu or elsewhere in Europe, his story is inspiring for aspiring coaches across Africa: success at the national team level can translate into opportunities on football’s grandest stages.
As Chelle looks ahead, one thing is clear: his AFCON bronze medal may be just the beginning of a journey that could see him break barriers and redefine expectations for African managers in world football.
