Unai Emery – Managerial Career and Personal Life

Unai Emery has built one of the most respected coaching careers in European football over the past two decades. From his early days in Spain’s lower divisions to leading Aston Villa into the Champions League, Emery’s path includes four Europa League titles, spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, and a reputation for meticulous tactical preparation.

Born on 3 November 1971 in Hondarribia, Spain, Emery played as a left midfielder before moving into management in 2005. His coaching journey has taken him through eight clubs across four countries, and he is widely regarded as a specialist in knockout competitions, particularly the Europa League.

Emery’s ability to rebuild after setbacks has defined his career. After a difficult exit at Arsenal, he restored his standing at Villarreal and has since transformed Aston Villa into a consistent top-six contender in the Premier League.

What Teams Has Unai Emery Coached?

Emery’s managerial career began at Lorca Deportiva in 2005 and has since included spells at Valencia, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Villarreal, and Aston Villa. Each club represented a different challenge, and his record shows a pattern of success in cup competitions alongside mixed results in domestic leagues.

• Unai Emery is the most successful manager in Europa League history with four titles.
• Despite a challenging spell at Arsenal, he rebuilt his reputation at Villarreal and Aston Villa.
• He is known for meticulous tactical preparation and video analysis.
• Emery has never coached Real Madrid, contrary to persistent rumors.
• His salary at Aston Villa is estimated at £7-8 million per year (2025).

Unai Emery’s Stints at Arsenal, PSG, and Other Clubs

Paris Saint-Germain (2016–2018)

Emery took charge of PSG in 2016 after three successful seasons at Sevilla. During his two years in Paris, he won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue. His tenure is often remembered for PSG’s collapse against Barcelona in the 2017 Champions League round of 16, where they surrendered a 4-0 first-leg lead. Despite domestic success, the failure to progress in Europe led to his departure in 2018.

Arsenal (2018–2019)

Emery succeeded Arsène Wenger at Arsenal in May 2018. His only full season saw Arsenal reach the Europa League final, where they lost to Chelsea. A poor run of results at the start of the 2019–20 campaign, combined with a growing disconnect between the manager and the fanbase, led to his dismissal in November 2019 after 18 months in charge.

Sevilla (2013–2016) and Villarreal (2020–2022)

At Sevilla, Emery established himself as a European specialist by winning three consecutive Europa League titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016. After his Arsenal exit, he returned to Spain with Villarreal, where he won his fourth Europa League title in 2021 and led the club to the Champions League semifinal in 2022.

Real Madrid Connection

Despite persistent rumors and speculation, Unai Emery has never coached Real Madrid. His name has occasionally been mentioned in connection with the role, but no formal appointment or negotiations have been confirmed.

Unai Emery’s Personal Life: Wife, Family, and Early Career

Wife and Son

Emery is married to Luisa Martínez. The couple have a son named Xabi Emery, who was born in 2005. The family has remained largely private, with Emery rarely discussing his personal life in interviews.

Playing Career

Before becoming a manager, Emery played as a left midfielder for several Spanish clubs, including Real Sociedad, Toledo, Racing Ferrol, Leganés, and Lorca Deportiva. His playing career spanned from 1990 to 2004, primarily in Spain’s lower divisions. He never played for Real Madrid or any top-tier Spanish club.

Early Life and Languages

Emery was born and raised in Hondarribia, a town in the Basque Country. He speaks Spanish, Basque, English, and French, a skill set that has helped him manage clubs across four countries.

What Is Unai Emery’s Salary and Managerial Record?

Emery’s salary at Aston Villa is not officially confirmed by the club. Independent estimates place his annual earnings at approximately £7-8 million in 2025, making him one of the higher-paid managers in the Premier League, though below the top tier of salaries commanded by managers like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.

Emery’s managerial record includes four Europa League titles (2014, 2015, 2016 with Sevilla; 2021 with Villarreal), one Ligue 1 title (2018 with PSG), and a Champions League semifinal appearance (2022 with Villarreal). He also led Aston Villa to Champions League qualification for the 2024–25 season.

Who Is Unai Emery’s Assistant Coach?

Emery’s current first-team assistant coach at Aston Villa is Javi García. The two have worked together previously, and García is part of a trusted backroom staff that Emery has built over several years. Assistant coaches can change between clubs and seasons, so this role may not remain constant throughout his tenure.

When Did Unai Emery Join Each Club?

1. 1971 – Born in Hondarribia, Spain.
2. 1990–2004 – Playing career at Real Sociedad, Toledo, Racing Ferrol, Leganés, and Lorca Deportiva (as a midfielder).
3. 2005 – Began managerial career at Lorca Deportiva (Segunda División B).
4. 2008–2010 – Managed Valencia, finishing 3rd in La Liga twice.
5. 2010–2012 – Managed Spartak Moscow in Russia.
6. 2013–2016 – Manager of Sevilla, winning three consecutive Europa League titles (2014, 2015, 2016).
7. 2016–2018 – Manager of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue.
8. 2018–2019 – Manager of Arsenal, reaching Europa League final (2019) but dismissed after 18 months.
9. 2020–2022 – Manager of Villarreal, winning Europa League 2021 and reaching Champions League semifinal 2022.
10. 2022–present – Appointed manager of Aston Villa, leading them to Europa Conference League qualification in 2023 and Champions League in 2024.

Did Unai Emery Coach Real Madrid?

What Was Unai Emery Like as a Young Player?

Emery’s playing career was modest. He spent 14 seasons as a left midfielder in Spain, mostly at second-tier clubs. His highest-level appearances came with Real Sociedad in La Liga, although he never established himself as a top-flight regular. Those who knew him during his playing days describe him as a hard-working, intelligent player, qualities that later defined his coaching style.

His relatively unremarkable playing career is often cited as a factor in his development as a manager. Having operated outside the elite player circle, Emery built his coaching approach on tactical study and preparation rather than relying on the authority of a high-profile playing background.

How Is Unai Emery Viewed by Those Who Know Him?

“I am very happy at Aston Villa. The project is exciting and we are building something special.”

— Unai Emery, official website (2024)

“He is a perfectionist. He studies every detail of the opponent.”

— Former player (anonymous), cited in The Athletic

Emery is widely respected as a cup specialist, especially in Europe. His ability to rebuild after setbacks, such as his dismissal at Arsenal, is seen as evidence of resilience and adaptability.

What Is Next for Unai Emery?

Emery is expected to continue at Aston Villa through his current contract, which runs until 2026 with an option to extend. With Champions League football secured for the 2024–25 season, his reputation could attract interest from top European clubs, but he has publicly committed to Villa’s long-term project.

His work at Aston Villa has transformed the club from a mid-table side into a consistent top-six challenger in the Premier League. Under Emery, Villa qualified for the Europa Conference League in 2023 and the Champions League in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions