River Plate have confirmed the appointment of Pablo Longoria as their new sporting director. The Argentine club announced the move in an official statement, bringing the former Olympique de Marseille president into a key role overseeing football operations. Longoria, who was sidelined from his position at Marseille in March, has swiftly returned to a prominent job in the sport.
In its announcement, River Plate highlighted Longoria's focus on "identifying and developing talent" throughout his career and noted his close following of South American football, "with a sustained presence in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil." The club stated that Longoria's arrival is part of a "medium and long-term institutional project" aimed at integrating more young talents into the first team and optimizing recruitment strategy. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Buenos Aires giants, who failed to qualify for the Copa Libertadores last season and recently appointed a new head coach, Eduardo Coudet, in early March.
Longoria brings a significant European pedigree to the role, having served as president of Marseille from 2020 until his departure earlier this year. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the club's transfer strategy, overseeing a period of player trading and squad building. His experience and network, particularly in European markets, are seen as valuable assets for River as they seek to strengthen their squad and regain domestic dominance.
For Longoria, the move represents a strategic return to a continent where he has established scouting connections and a chance to shape one of South America's most historic clubs. The task ahead is substantial, with River Plate aiming to close the gap on arch-rivals Boca Juniors and return to the summit of Argentine and continental football. The club's statement suggests a shift towards a more data-driven and youth-focused model under his leadership.
The appointment signals River Plate's ambition to modernize their football structure and compete more effectively in the international transfer market. Longoria's immediate focus will likely be on supporting Coudet in the upcoming transfer windows and implementing a long-term vision for the club's famed academy and scouting departments.
