Following a playing career that took in clubs such as Real Madrid, CF Linares and AD Parla, Benitez began his coaching career back at Real Madrid. He worked his way through the ranks to coach the B Team, before becoming Assistant First Team Coach in 1993.
He then moved onto Real Valladolid, Osasuna, Extremadura and Tenerife. It was at Valencia that Benitez won the La Liga title in 2001/2 and 2003/4. He also won the UEFA Cup in 2004.
He then moved onto Liverpool, where he guided the team to the memorable Champions League title on 2005. He added the FA Cup in 2006, before again reaching the Champions League final in 2007.
Inter Milan then beckoned, and at the San Siro he triumphed with the Italian Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup.
Benitez returned to England in November 2012 where he became the interim manager at Chelsea. He lifted the Europa League Trophy in the same season.
The Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup followed at Napoli, before Benitez transferred to Real Madrid.
Benitez joined Newcastle in March 2016.
