Del Bosque at 75: Reflections on Madrid, Spain and the art of coaching
Vicente del Bosque has never been one for drama. As he turns 75, the former Real Madrid and Spain coach remains understated about a career that delivered two Champions League titles, a World Cup and a European Championship.
Speaking after receiving the Maria de Villota Award 2025, Del Bosque offered a glimpse into the philosophy that defined his time in the dugout.
“Madrid makes life easier”
Del Bosque insists that managing Real Madrid carries advantages few clubs can match. “Being at Real Madrid is easier than being at other teams,” he said, pointing to the resources and talent available during his tenure.
He recalled the period between 1998 and 2002, when Madrid lifted two European Cups. “We enjoyed a great time. Madrid achieved something remarkable,” he reflected.
The coach’s role today
For Del Bosque, the modern manager’s challenge is less about tactics and more about people. “You have to utilise everyone. That’s the coach’s biggest task right now,” he explained. With matches every three days, squad rotation and dressing-room harmony are, in his view, the keys to success.
“I always tried to build a good, healthy dressing room. That’s extremely important,” he added.
From youth coach to world champion
Del Bosque never expected to rise beyond youth development. Yet in 1999 he was handed the reins at Madrid, after interim spells earlier in the decade. Four seasons later, he had guided the club to domestic and European glory.
His greatest triumph, however, came with Spain. In 2010 he led La Roja to their first World Cup, followed by the European Championship in 2012. “It was a very pleasant era,” he said. “Across 114 matches, we only saw one red card. We always maintained a fantastic atmosphere.”
Players and memories
Asked to name the finest players he worked with, Del Bosque highlighted Pirri and Amancio from his own playing days, before adding Raul, Fernando Hierro, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo. “They were all sensational,” he said.
Despite decades at the top, he remains modest. “I’ve been privileged to dedicate myself to football, having come from the neighbourhood and spent 37 years at Real Madrid. I’ve been happy playing football.”
Looking ahead
Del Bosque has stepped away from coaching but retains optimism about Spain’s future. With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada on the horizon, he believes the squad has the quality to challenge again.
“Our goal is to become world champions again. Without boasting and with caution. We have the hope of being champions; we have the squad for it,” he said.