Nolberto Solano
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move to reshape the future of football in the country, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially appointed former Peruvian international and English Premier League star Nolberto Solano as the new head coach of the Pakistan men’s national football team as well as the under-23 side.
The announcement was made earlier this week and marks a major step in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to professionalize and elevate the standards of its national football program.
Solano, popularly known as “Ñol,” brings with him an impressive footballing pedigree. A legendary figure in Peruvian football, he earned 95 caps for his national team. During his illustrious club career, Solano played for top-tier English Premier League clubs including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and West Ham United. He is widely admired for his technical brilliance and deep understanding of the game, especially from his time in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Solano succeeds Stephen Constantine, a veteran British coach who served Pakistan football from September 2023 until October 31, 2024. Constantine previously managed several national teams across Africa and Asia, including Nepal, India, Malawi, Sudan, and Rwanda.
In addition to Solano, the PFF has also announced the hiring of Jorge Castañeira as Associate Fitness Coach for the senior men’s team. A globally respected name in sports performance, Castañeira brings over three decades of elite-level experience. He has worked with national teams and clubs across Europe, South America, and Asia, specializing in athlete conditioning and injury prevention.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed the appointments, stating, “With Solano and Castañeira joining us, we are entering a new era. These professionals bring global expertise and a commitment to excellence that will help us lay the foundations for a strong and professional future for football in Pakistan.”
He added that the federation remains committed to providing world-class facilities and training resources to national players in order to compete more effectively on the international stage.
These appointments signal the PFF’s intention to not only develop top-tier talent but also create a footballing culture rooted in discipline, fitness, and tactical maturity under international mentorship.
