Early Life and Education

Manuel Pellegrini was born on September 19, 1953, in Santiago, Chile. His father, Emilio Pellegrini Portales, and his mother, Silvia Ripamonti Barros, both had Italian ancestry. He spent his childhood in Chile alongside his three siblings. Manuel pursued his education in his home country and enrolled at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1979.

Football Career as a Player

After graduating, Manuel began his football career by playing for Club Universidad de Chile. During his tenure with the team, he played a key role in leading the club to victory in the Copa Chile, marking a significant triumph after nearly a decade without the title. Although he did not win the Copa Libertadores as a player, he gained recognition for his strategic gameplay and leadership on the field.

In 1984, Manuel surprised fans by announcing his retirement from professional football. Using his background in engineering, he contributed to the reconstruction of central Chile following a devastating earthquake, demonstrating his commitment to public service beyond the football field.

Transition to Management

In 1988, Pellegrini began a new chapter in his career as a football manager, taking on roles in Argentina and Spain. By 1990, he returned to work with the Chilean national team as a manager. Under his leadership, the national team achieved notable victories, including the Copa Interamericana in 1994 and the Copa Chile in 1995.

Following nearly a decade with the national team, Manuel went on to manage several prominent clubs. He joined San Lorenzo for a year before moving to River Plate, where he spent another year before accepting a pivotal role at Villarreal in Spain.