Walter Samuel is preparing to leave Argentina’s coaching staff at the end of the year as he looks to take the next step in his career as a head coach.
Samuel’s contract with the Argentine Football Association expires on 30 December, and the former defender has told AFA president Claudio Tapia that he does not intend to extend it.
The 48-year-old is now targeting a move into club management, with a European side his preferred destination. He plans to use the coming months to prepare for his first job as a head coach, which he hopes to begin in 2027.
Samuel has been part of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching team since 2018 and has played a significant role during one of the most successful eras in Argentina’s history.
During his time alongside Scaloni, Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
His work was not limited to the touchline. Samuel was closely involved in Argentina’s defensive organisation and set-piece preparation, while also becoming one of Scaloni’s most trusted members of staff.
His departure could bring further changes to the coaching team, with the futures of Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala also uncertain.
Aimar and Ayala could remain if Scaloni continues as Argentina head coach. However, if Scaloni also leaves, the pair could follow Samuel out and seek positions elsewhere.
For Samuel, the decision represents a major career shift after eight years working behind the scenes with Argentina. He joined the national-team setup at the beginning of Scaloni’s reign and remained through a period that delivered four major international trophies.
Having experienced success at the highest level as part of a coaching team, Samuel now wants to test himself in the most demanding role in football — taking charge of a team himself.
