New Delhi: The All India Football Federation has appointed renowned Costa Rican tactician Amelia Valverde as the head coach of the Indian senior women’s national team, marking a significant step in India’s preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
Valverde, 39, has already joined the Indian camp in Antalya, Türkiye, where the Blue Tigresses are undergoing an intensive training phase ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled for March. She will work alongside the existing coaching staff comprising Crispin Chettri, Priya PV and Mario Aguiar, adding vast international experience to the setup.
A former international player, Valverde began her coaching journey in 2011 and went on to become the longest-serving head coach in the history of the Costa Rican women’s national team. She guided Costa Rica women’s national football team from 2015 to 2023, overseeing their only two appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2023.
Notably, she was the second-youngest head coach at the 2015 World Cup, taking charge at just 28.
Before her senior team tenure, Valverde served as assistant coach of Costa Rica’s senior and U20 women’s sides, including at the 2014 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Her spell with Las Ticas was decorated with success, including gold at the 2017 Central American Games, silver at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, and bronze at the 2019 Pan American Games. Her impact was recognised when she was named CONCACAF Female Coach of the Year.
Following her international stint, Valverde took charge of Mexican club CF Monterrey in 2023 and enjoyed instant success. She scripted history in 2024 by securing a Bicampeonato, lifting the Liga MX Femenil Clausura title in July and the Apertura crown in November. Her achievements earned her the prestigious Balón de Oro for Best Coach from the Mexican Football Federation.
Strengthening the Indian team’s backroom staff, Valverde will be joined by goalkeeping coach Eli Ávila, who previously worked with her at both the Costa Rican national team and Monterrey, and strength and conditioning coach José Sánchez, formerly associated with the Costa Rican national setup and Deportivo Saprissa.
With Valverde at the helm, Indian women’s football enters a new chapter, aiming to make a strong impression on the Asian stage and build a competitive future for the Blue Tigresses.
Source: AIFF
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