FC Porto has officially announced the appointment of Italian manager Francesco Farioli as their new head coach, with his tenure beginning at the start of the 2025-26 season.
A statement on the club`s official website confirmed, “Francesco Farioli is the new coach of FC Porto.” The 36-year-old Italian, originally from a small town in Tuscany, is noted for his distinctive background. Although a passionate football fan and former amateur player, he also pursued academics, earning a Philosophy degree from the University of Florence.
Farioli joins Porto after a single season managing Ajax in the Netherlands. While his tenure there started promisingly, the team eventually finished second in the 2024-25 season, losing a nine-point lead to PSV Eindhoven in the closing five matches.
Following his departure from Ajax by mutual consent in May, reportedly due to `difference in principles`, Farioli has now finalized an initial two-year agreement with the Portuguese club, set to run through the summer of 2027.
Porto will represent the fifth club in Farioli’s coaching history, following his earlier roles in Turkey with Fatih Karagümrük and Alanyaspor, OGC Nice in France, and most recently, Ajax.
The 36-year-old steps in to replace Martin Anselmi, who was appointed in January. Anselmi guided the team to a third-place league finish but was dismissed after a disappointing performance in the FIFA Club World Cup.
