The Football Boss was born into a family that has an outstanding history in Politics and Law. Young “El Loco”, as he is nicknamed, broke that tradition by dedicating his life to football. As a child, Marcelo Bielsa was a bookworm, a studious kid who could finish a book in a day. As he grew older, his neverending passion for books slowly metamorphosed into having a likeness for sports magazines for which he obtained subscriptions for around 40 of them. The Truth is, reading came from Marcelo Bielsa’s granddad who once boasted of having around 30,000 books in his personal library.
Our Biography of Marcelo Bielsa tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Rafael Pedro Bielsa (father), Lidia Caldera (mother), Family Background, Wife (Laura Bracalenti), Children, Lifestyle, Personal Life and Net Worth.
Marcelo Bielsa: From Political Dynasty to Football Legacy – The Bookworm Turned Boss.
In a nutshell, we portray the history of the Argentinian professional football manager. We begin with Marcelo Bielsa’s early years right to when he became the role model of some of the world’s best football managers.
To give you a taste of the engaging nature of Marcelo Bielsa’s Bio, here is a pictorial summary of his life. It is a perfect introduction to the Life journey of the Rosario native, one of football’s greatest managers.
Marcelo Bielsa Biography – Behold his Early Life and Great Rise.
As football fans, you and I know he is one of the most respected managers in football history. This is a man who discovered Mauricio Pochettino (as a footballer) and who great managers the likes of Pep Guardiola idolize.
Despite the great things the Argentine coach has done for football as a game, we realize a gap.
The truth is, not many soccer fans have read a detailed version of Marcelo Bielsa’s biography, which is very interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s proceed with his early life.
Marcelo Bielsa Childhood Story:
For starters, the football manager is nicknamed “EL Loco”. Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera was born on the 21st day of July 1955.
The Legendary Football Manager was born to his mother, Lidia Caldera and father, Rafael Pedro Bielsa, in the city of Rosario in Argentina. He is one of three children born out of the successful union between his parents.
Marcelo Bielsa Growing-up Years:
Young “El Loco”, as he is often called, grew up in the city of Rosario alongside his siblings- an older brother, Rafael and a sister named MarÃa Eugenia.
Spending his early years in the city, young Bielsa was a studious kid who had the capability to read a book a day.
As he grew older, Marcelo Bielsa’s passion for books slowly metamorphosed into perusals of more than 40 sports magazines for which he obtained subscriptions for.
Marcelo Bielsa Family Background:
The then Youngster acquired his passion for reading from his grandfather, who is said to have over 30,000 books in his own personal library.
On their part, Marcelo Bielsa’s parents were happy to support his early quest for knowledge and interest in sports for many reasons.
Notable among the reasons was the fact that Marcelo Bielsa’s parents had excellent careers. The football manager came from a well-to-do home as his mother was a teacher and his father was a lawyer.
It didn’t end there… Both dad and mum were die-hard fans of the local club Rosario Central.
Marcelo Bielsa Family Origin:
For those who are not aware, the coach is a bonafide citizen of Argentina.
Results of research carried out to determine Marcelo Bielsa’s family origin reveal that he belongs to the Argentine white ethnicity.
As observed, this ethnic group dominates the eastern part of the country.
The native of Rosario is of predominantly white ethnicity.
Marcelo Bielsa Football Story:
Being born into a family that has a rich history in Law and Politics, a young “El Loco” made the decision to break tradition.
To that end, he dedicated his life to football. The then youngster began playing the sport from a very young age and became actively engaged in it at the age of 15 (1970) when he began training with Newell Old Boy’s Club.
A failed football career:
While at Newell’s Old Boys, Bielsa faced significant challenges in advancing through the club’s ranks due to his lack of natural talent.
Although he managed to reach the club’s first team, he couldn’t secure a permanent spot. Consequently, he left the club in 1978 and moved down through the leagues.
A rare view of the then-footballer at Newell Old Boys.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Early Years in Management:
It wasn’t long before the young footballer gave up on his football career and made the decision to delve into coaching.
He began his coaching career in 1980 as the head coach of Newell’s Old Boys School’s Youth Division. Thereafter, he went on to manage several football clubs in the next decade.
A rare view of the then-footballer at Newell Old Boys.
The clubs include Mexican-based teams Atlas F.C. 1993—1995 and Club America 1995—1996. Subsequent management endeavours saw Bielsa coach Argentine side – Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield 1997-1998 and Spanish club – RCD Espanyol in 1998.
Marcelo Bielsa Biography – Road To Fame Story:
The turning point of the manager’s career came in 2004 when he saw the national team of Argentina win Gold during the 2004 Olympics.
With the victory, his Argentina side became the first Latin American football team to win the Olympic title in football since 1928.
See who led Argentina to a gold medal finish at the 2004 Olympics- Minute Media.
Bielsa went on to manage Chile’s national side and did well to earn a hero-like status for drastically improving the team’s performance.
Notable among such improvements was Chile’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup. However, they didn’t get past the round of 16. No thanks to a defeat from Brazil.
Marcelo Bielsa Bio – Success Story:
When the fast-rising coach took up the job of managing the Spanish club Athletic Bilbao in 2011, many were eager to see if he could replicate his success with national teams in competitive club leagues.
To their amazement, Bielsa saw the Spanish club to the finals of the Copa Del Rey and UEFA Europa League in his first Season. Neither was Bielsa a failure in managing Marseille, Lazio and Lille between 2004 and 2007.
The breakthrough:
At the peak of his career success, Bielsa took up the management of Championship club Leeds United in 2018 and led them to promotion back to the Premier League in 2020.
The feat was particularly spectacular because the team was fraught with injuries, and the promotion was Leed’s first ascension in 16 years!
Whichever way fortune tilts for Bielsa in the Premier League, the rest, as they say, will be history.
About Laura Bracalenti – Marcelo Bielsa Wife:
Behind every successful manager is often a supportive partner, and Marcelo Bielsa is no exception. He has been married to Laura Bracalenti for more than 30 years. Our findings reveal that Laura is an architect and an academic at the National University of Rosario.
She is highly regarded in the academic world and has numerous publications to her credit. The couple has two daughters, Inés and Mercedes.
Inés has a keen interest in sports, especially hockey. In contrast, little is known about Mercedes, as she prefers to maintain her privacy, similar to other members of the Bielsa family.
Meet Marcelo Bielsa’s older daughter, Ines-Laverda.
Marcelo Bielsa Family Life:
South American households love to proudly identify with their successful offshoots. The case is not any different for Marcelo Bielsa’s parents, his siblings and relatives. Now, let’s introduce his dad.
About Marcelo Bielsa Father:
First and foremost, the coach’s dad, Rafael Pedro, was a lawyer and lover of politics and football. Being a supporter of Rosario Central, he wasn’t happy that Bielsa became a player for rival club Newell Old Boys and even went on to coach the same club.
Rumour has it that Rafael never saw Bielsa play for and coach the team because of the rivalry. Away from the rivalry, both father and son had a good family relationship and have never spoken ill of each other.
About Marcelo Bielsa Mother:
Successful mums have given birth to legendary coaches, and Lidia Caldera isn’t an exception. The coach’s impressive mom has a rich history in the Argentine educational sector as a hardworking teacher.
Little wonder, Bielsa did once admit that his incredible work ethic is a trait that he inherited from his mother. In his words,
“For her, no effort was sufficient,” he would later admit. “The influence of my mother as fundamental in my life.”
The family bond doesn’t end there; Marcelo Bielsa also credits his mym for buying him copies of the Argentine sports magazine El Grafico, which he would devour almost immediately, a development that helped him become a tactical thinker.
It goes without saying that Marcelo Bielsa’s parents did a lot to help him become who he is.
About Marcelo Bielsa’s Siblings:
Meet Marcelo Bielsa’s sister, Maria Eugenia- Perfil.
About Marcelo Bielsa’s Relatives:
What does Marcelo Bielsa do outside Football?
Let’s move on to traits of the manager’s personality. Are you aware that they are similar to those of individuals born under the cancer zodiac sign?
They include his proclivity for ruthless competition and consistency. In addition, he possesses an assertive persona and exhibits eccentricity.
What’s more? Bielsa pays attention to details and rarely reveals details about his private and personal life.
Regarding the manager’s interests and hobbies, he has quite a number of pastime activities that include taking a stroll, shopping, posing for photos with fans, reading and having a good time with his family and friends.
Shopping is one of his favourite pastime activities- Thesun.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Net Worth and Lifestyle:
Here, we walk you through how the football manager makes and spends his money. Did you know that Marcelo Bielsa has a net worth of around $6.5 million at the time of writing?
The manager’s steady rising wealth has sources established in the wages and salaries that he receives for being a football manager.
However, Bielsa leads a conservative lifestyle, making it difficult to track his spending habits.
Consequently, there is limited information about the houses he owns. The same goes for the cars he uses to get around West Yorkshire as Leeds’ new coach.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Facts:
Marcelo Bielsa’s Religion:
Influence:
Reason Behind nickname:
Trivia:
Endnote:
Thanks for taking the time to read this engaging article about the life journey of one of the greatest managers in the world.
To sum up, Marcelo Bielsa’s biography has made us understand that consistency and determination are the bedrock of success.
We pride ourselves on delivering Managerial memoirs (like that of Bielsa) with fairness and accuracy. Kindly leave a comment on your thoughts about the Argentine Manager.
