Maldivian football pulls Urbányi back as Tom’s leadership sparks third stint
Hungarian coach István Urbányi has been reappointed to lead the Maldives national football team for a third time, influenced by former player Ahmed Thoriq who is now FAM President. Urbányi previously guided the team to the 2009 SAFF Championship final and won the 2013 Rajapaksa Trophy with the U-23 side. The 53-year-old praised Maldivians' passion for football and expressed confidence in the new FAM leadership's efforts to revive the sport.
István Urbányi, the experienced Hungarian coach recently reappointed to lead the Maldives national senior football team | Social Media
István Urbányi, the experienced Hungarian coach recently reappointed to lead the Maldives national senior football team, has shared his deep admiration for the passion surrounding football in the Maldives.
He revealed that a key reason behind his decision to return is the influence of former national team forward Ahmed Thoriq, more commonly known as Tom.
In an interview with Hungarian media, Urbányi outlined the various factors that inspired his comeback. He explained that the Maldives is a country he knows well and spoke positively about the recent leadership change at the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).
According to Urbányi, the appointment of a new president played a significant role in convincing him to return.
Tom, who previously played under Urbányi during his earlier tenure as head coach, was elected President of FAM on 26 July 2025. Urbányi’s reappointment marks his third stint as national head coach, following earlier periods when Thoriq was a key figure on the pitch.
Under Urbányi’s leadership in 2009, the Maldives national team reached the final of the SAFF Championship held in Bangladesh. Although the team suffered a narrow defeat to India in the final, Tom delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament. He scored four goals and finished as one of the competition’s top scorers, earning the Golden Boot.
Reflecting on his achievements, Urbányi noted that while the team produced strong performances and positive results during the SAFF Championship in India, his proudest accomplishment came with the Maldives Under-23 national team. In 2013, he guided the youth side to victory in the Rajapaksa International Trophy in Sri Lanka.
Recalling that success, Urbányi spoke of the overwhelming reception the team received upon returning home. He described the atmosphere as resembling a World Championship triumph, underscoring the immense passion Maldivians have for football. He stressed that football remains the clear number one sport in the country.
Now 53 years old, Urbányi’s journey with Maldivian football began in 2009, followed by a second term starting in 2011. After stepping down in 2013, he continued his coaching career elsewhere before accepting this third invitation to return. With his extensive familiarity with the local football scene, his reappointment is widely viewed as a strategic move.
While Urbányi has expressed confidence in President Thoriq’s leadership, the new FAM administration is also undertaking broad efforts to revive Maldivian football. The association is currently working on multiple initiatives aimed at restoring the sport to its former glory after a period of decline.
