Marcelo Gallardo Announces Departure from River Plate After Disappointing Second Stint

In a surprising and emotional development, legendary Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo has confirmed he will step down as manager of River Plate. The announcement came via an official video released by the club on February 23, 2026, following a recent 1-0 defeat to Vélez Sarsfield that highlighted ongoing struggles.

Gallardo, widely regarded as one of River Plate's greatest idols both as a player and coach, returned to the helm in late 2024 after a successful first tenure from 2014 to 2022. During his initial spell, he transformed the team into a continental powerhouse, winning 14 major titles—including two Copa Libertadores (2015 and 2018)—and establishing a dominant era in Argentine football.

However, his second chapter proved far more challenging. The team endured a poor run of form, suffering 12 losses in their last 20 matches across competitions. This included defensive issues, inconsistent performances, and a mid-table position in the league, failing to recapture the magic of his earlier success.

In his heartfelt message, Gallardo expressed deep gratitude to the fans, players, and club staff, acknowledging the pain of the decision while emphasizing his lifelong connection to River. He will lead the team for one final match this Thursday against Banfield at the Monumental Stadium before officially departing next week.The news has sparked widespread reactions across Argentine football, with fans paying tribute to "Muñeco" as an eternal figure despite the difficult end to his return. River Plate now faces the task of appointing a new coach to steer the club forward.