From midfield engine to La Liga manager: the resilient career of Antonio Hidalgo
In short: Antonio Hidalgo's footballing journey is defined by the grit of the Spanish lower leagues. After a long playing career spanning over 400 matches, he transitioned from a midfield specialist to a tactical leader, eventually guiding clubs through the high-stakes pressure of promotion and relegation battles.
Born in Granollers in 1979, Hidalgo’s professional foundations were laid in the Barcelona reserve system. His playing career was characterized by longevity and consistency in the Segunda División, where he appeared in 412 matches across 17 seasons. He became a vital component for several clubs, most notably during Tenerife's 2001 promotion campaign, and later demonstrated his scoring prowess at Málaga, where he netted 14 league goals during the 2007–08 season to secure top-flight promotion. He also represented Osasuna and Málaga in La Liga. His professional path began with Barcelona's reserve squad.
The transition from pitch to dugout began in 2016, following his retirement in November 2015. His early managerial years were marked by a focus on stability, such as helping Sabadell avoid relegation from the third tier. This success paved the way for a more prominent role in the second tier, where he ended a five-year absence for Sabadell by winning a playoff final against Barcelona B on 26 July 2020. He initially took charge at Granollers in April 2016. Later, he joined the staff at AEK Larnaca.
Hidalgo's managerial career has been a test of survival and tactical adaptation. After navigating the complexities of the Primera División RFEF and managing Sevilla B to avoid relegation, he secured a significant milestone on 10 June 2025. After signing a one-year contract to lead Deportivo de La Coruña, he found instant success by winning promotion during his inaugural campaign. He previously managed Sevilla B in the Segunda Federación. His tenure at Huesca followed his time in the second tier.
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