In recent years, there has been a surge of former Premier League players transitioning into managerial roles within Major League Soccer (MLS). This trend, which began in 2007 with David Beckham's high-profile move to the United States, continues to grow. Now, Beckham himself is part of another emerging shift, this time as the co-owner of Inter Miami.
Beckham’s Influence at Inter Miami
As the co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham has played a pivotal role in bringing in ex-players from the Premier League to lead MLS teams. One of the most notable moves is the appointment of Javier Mascherano, a former Liverpool and Barcelona star, as the new head coach of Inter Miami. While Mascherano lacks senior coaching experience, his exceptional playing career at the highest levels of European soccer has positioned him as a highly regarded figure in football.
Mascherano’s Appointment and Beckham’s Statement
Mascherano’s appointment is a significant move for Inter Miami as they aim to build upon their past successes.
"Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts, and understanding to back it up. We’re very excited to welcome him to lead our team," said Beckham.
Mascherano, who spent four seasons at Liverpool before moving to Barcelona, brings with him a wealth of experience from top-tier European football.
A Growing Trend: Former Premier League Players in MLS
Mascherano is the fourth former Premier League player to take charge of an MLS team for the 2025 season. Earlier this week, Olof Mellberg, the former Aston Villa defender, was appointed as the new head coach of St. Louis City SC. Additionally, Phil Neville, a veteran of over 500 Premier League appearances for Manchester United and Everton, continues to lead the Portland Timbers.
While less renowned for his Premier League career, Laurent Courtois of CF Montreal adds another name to this growing list. Courtois had a short, less successful stint at West Ham United, making just seven Premier League appearances, but his coaching experience at Toulouse and Levante in Europe has proven valuable.
Honourable Mentions: Dean Smith’s MLS Journey
In addition to the above-mentioned coaches, Dean Smith, currently at the helm of Charlotte FC, also deserves an honorable mention. Smith had a lengthy playing career in England, although he never played at the top tier. Despite this, he is best known for guiding Aston Villa back to the Premier League in 2018, a feat he later built upon with managerial positions at Norwich City and Leicester City.
Mascherano’s New Role at Inter Miami
Inter Miami recently confirmed the hiring of Javier Mascherano as head coach, finalizing a deal to replace Gerardo Martino, who stepped down for personal reasons. The 40-year-old Argentine has signed a three-year contract and will begin his managerial duties once his work visa paperwork is completed.
Mascherano’s coaching experience includes managing Argentina's under-20 and Olympic teams, providing him with a unique perspective on developing young talent. Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, expressed confidence in Mascherano’s ability to lead the team, emphasizing the importance of experience:
"This job requires somebody with the experience to be able to maximize our unique collection of talent—from our global superstars to our homegrown players and young international prospects."
With Mascherano at the helm, Inter Miami is entering an exciting new chapter.
