Claudio Ranieri: A Legendary Manager's Journey

Bobby Richmond

May 23, 2024 · 2 min read

Claudio Ranieri: A Legendary Manager's Journey
FootBall | May 23, 2024
Ranieri lifted the Premier League trophy, celebrating with all the Leicester players

Claudio Ranieri, born on October 20, 1951, in Rome, Italy, is a renowned football manager known for his incredible achievements and long career. Starting as a player in Italy, he quickly transitioned into management, where he made a significant impact.

 

Claudio Ranieri in orange and red shirt
Claudio Ranieri in Roma jersey

 

Early Career

Ranieri began managing smaller Italian clubs but soon made a name for himself by leading Cagliari from the third division to Serie A. This success opened doors to managing bigger teams.

Claudio Ranieri (right) and Lampard (left) during their training
Claudio Ranieri (right) gave instructions to Lampard (left) during his tenure as manager at Chelsea

Chelsea and England

In 2000, Ranieri became the manager of Chelsea. He helped shape the team into a strong competitor in English football, although he didn’t win any major trophies there.

 

Ranieri with the Copa del Rey in 1999

Success in Europe

Ranieri managed several top European clubs, including Valencia in Spain, where he won the Copa del Rey in 1999. His career also included stints at prominent Italian clubs like Juventus, Roma, and Inter Milan.

 

This remarkable accomplishment ranks among the greatest underdog tales in the annals of sports history.

The Leicester City Miracle

Ranieri’s most famous achievement came in the 2015-2016 season with Leicester City. He led the team, which had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, to an unexpected and historic Premier League title. His incredible achievement stands as one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. After his success with Leicester, Ranieri managed teams like Nantes in France and Fulham in England and had a second stint with Roma and a period with Sampdoria in Italy. In 2024, he announced his retirement from football management, bringing an end to an illustrious career.

Legendary coach Claudio Ranieri, 72, poised to retire from football after guiding Serie A’s Cagliari to safety

Legacy

Claudio Ranieri will be remembered as a manager who had the ability to inspire and transform teams. His career, highlighted by the Leicester City triumph, showcases his dedication, tactical knowledge, and ability to achieve the impossible. Ranieri’s story is a testament to the idea that with hard work and belief, anything is possible in football.