Soccer Supporters React As Fabio Cannavaro Agrees To Become The New Uzbekistan Head Coach

Soccer supporters have shared their reactions online as Fabio Cannavaro agrees to become the new head coach of Uzbekistan. 

Cannavaro was the last defender to win the Ballon d’Or in 2006. He captained Italy to World Cup glory in the same year after he led the Azzurri to victory over France in the final.

For his efforts, Cannavaro was rewarded with soccer’s most prestigious individual award. Now, he is set to return to the sport’s elite national tournament with the Asian minnows.

🚨🇺🇿 EXCL: Fabio Cannavaro verbally agrees to become new Uzbekistan head coach as part of World Cup 2026.

Agreement in place on contract terms with formal documents expected to be reviewed and signed in 24/48h.

Cannavaro, ready to accept as revealed on Monday. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/0qdy6GSdEf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2025

Fabio Cannavaro Managerial Record

Despite having an esteemed playing career whereby many consider him to be one of the greatest of all-time, Fabio Cannavaro’s Dinamo Zagreb tenure was short-lived.

The legendary center-back was relieved of his duties after just 14 games in charge earlier this year. In fact, the former Azzurri star hasn’t come close to replicating what he achieved in his playing career whilst being employed as a head coach.

However, the incoming Uzbekistan boss has plenty of experience in Asia. He won the Chinese League One in 2016 whilst in charge of Tianjin Quanjian.

Cannavaro has also overseen the likes of Guangzhou Evergrande on two occasions and Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. He also managed the Chinese national side for two games but lost both matches.

Closer to home, Cannavaro has managed Benevanto and Udinese. Both spells were relatively brief. His overall managerial record from 264 games in charge has generated 141 victories. That gives a win percentage of 53.41%.

What Teams Have Qualified For The 2026 World Cup?

Naturally, one of the biggest draws to becoming Uzbekistan’s head coach is that they have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Which will be their debut tournament.

Other AFC nations to have booked their spot include Australia, Iran, Jordan, South Korea and Japan. The CONMEBOL entrants who will be present are Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.

Africa’s only representatives so far are Morocco and Tunisia. Elsewhere, New Zealand have booked their place alongside the trio of co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico.

Europe doesn’t have any officially qualified nations as of yet. However, a number of teams will be confirmed throughout October and November.

Fans React To Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan Appointment

Understandably, soccer supporters have reacted to Fabio Cannavaro’s impending appointment as Uzbekistan head coach. Naturally, many were surprised at the news.

However, the chance to manage a nation at the upcoming World Cup was seemingly too good to refuse. Even if the Asian nation is considered as tournament minnows.

“Big move for Uzbekistan. Cannavaro stepping in shows real ambition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 2006 Ballon d’Or winner bringing his experience could be massive for their project,” said one user on X, formerly Twitter. 

“Uzbekistan finally showing some tekkers. Ballon d’Or winner Cannavaro taking over a World Cup debutant—man’s got his work cut out getting Shomurodov and co ready for that Uruguay friendly in 11 days,” said another.

A third person simply posted: “Legend, hope he succeeds.”

“Probably the only footballer ever who will be able to say they won the ballon d’Or and ended up managing Uzbekistan,” another playfully posted.

Another noted how Cannavaro should be managing at a higher level: “I see Uzbekistan finish last in their World Cup group stage. They don’t have the talent and it’s a waste of time for Cannavaro. He should be coaching a top team in Italy or in the Premier League.”

Big move for Uzbekistan 🇺🇿✨ Cannavaro stepping in shows real ambition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 2006 Ballon d’Or winner bringing his experience could be massive for their project.

— 🅰️𝗆𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗌𝖾•ѕσℓ (@web3ambrose) October 2, 2025

Uzbekistan finally showing some tekkers. Ballon d'Or winner Cannavaro taking over a World Cup debutant—man's got his work cut out getting Shomurodov and co ready for that Uruguay friendly in 11 days.

— Danny Odds (@OddsDanny) October 2, 2025

legend, hope he succeeds

— KashKysh ❄️ (@KashKysh) October 2, 2025

Probably the only footballer ever who will be able to say they won the ballon dor and ended up managing Uzbekistan😭

— ARAB WEB3🌐 𝔽rAI (@ARABIANVID) October 2, 2025

I see Uzbekistan finish last in their World Cup group stage.
They don’t have the talent and it’s a waste of time for cannavaro. He should be coaching a top team in Italy or in the premier league

— fury | Token 2049 🇸🇬| (@_stormside) October 2, 2025