From journalism student to La Liga manager: the rapid rise of Martín Anselmi
In short: Born in Rosario, Argentina, Martín Anselmi’s football journey began not on the pitch as a player, but in the classroom. After studying journalism, he climbed the managerial ladder through South America, eventually navigating high-stakes legal disputes and continental finals to reach the top tier of Spanish football.
Martín Rodrigo Anselmi, born on 11 July 1985 in Rosario, Santa Fe, represents a modern archetype of the tactical manager. While he holds a journalism degree from DeporTEA in Buenos Aires, he never pursued a career in media, choosing instead to enter the footballing world through the youth setup of Excursionistas in 2015. His early career was defined by apprenticeship, serving under notable figures like Gabriel Milito at Independiente in 2016 and later assisting Miguel Ángel Ramírez at Independiente del Valle.
Anselmi's career is marked by significant continental success and sudden transitions. After a stint in Chile with Unión La Calera, he returned to Ecuador to lead Independiente del Valle, where he secured four titles before resigning in December 2023 following a penalty shootout loss in the Serie A finals. This success propelled him to Mexico with Cruz Azul, where he earned Manager of the Month honors in both September and October 2024. His time in Mexico ended in a legal dispute over a release clause when he moved to Porto in January 2025, a matter only settled in May 2025 with a $3.5 million payment to Cruz Azul.
The final chapters of his recent journey saw him move through Europe and Brazil. After a brief tenure at Porto that ended following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he signed a two-year contract with Brazil's Botafogo in December 2025. Despite a short stay in Brazil, Anselmi returned to Europe on 13 June 2026, signing a one-year deal with the La Liga club Elche, which includes an option for an additional season.
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