Official: Ex-Barca star takes over Mexico's national team

Days after Mexico's exit in the World Cup Round of 16, the long-planned coaching change for the national team has been completed.

Former Barca star Rafael Márquez takes over as head coach, succeeding Javier Aguirre. The Mexican Football Federation announced this on Wednesday.

"The appointment of Rafael Márquez is part of an orderly transition," the federation stated in an official announcement.

The change on the coaching bench had been prepared for some time. Since his appointment as assistant coach two years ago, it was intended that the 47-year-old would take over as head coach after the World Cup in Mexico, the USA, and Canada.

Once Played for FC Barcelona

For Márquez, this new role is a special step.

The former central defender is considered one of his country's greatest football legends. The ex-professional of FC Barcelona – for whom he played 242 competitive matches – participated in five World Cups with Mexico and shaped the national team for many years.

Now, as coach, Márquez is expected to initiate the next phase of development and prepare Mexico for upcoming challenges.