Veteran Coach Urbányi returns to Maldives for third spell as national team head coach
Urbányi, 58, has previously served two separate terms as head coach of the Maldivian national team, making this his third stint in charge of the senior side. His first tenure began in 2009, during which he guided the Maldives to the final of the SAFF Championship in Bangladesh.
István Urbányi, who has been appointed as national team coach | Family Protection Authority
István Urbányi, the Hungarian coach recently appointed to lead the Maldives senior national football team, has arrived in the Maldives. The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) announced his appointment as head coach earlier this year, and he was received on Sunday by senior officials of FAM.
Urbányi, 58, has previously served two separate terms as head coach of the Maldivian national team, making this his third stint in charge of the senior side. His first tenure began in 2009, during which he guided the Maldives to the final of the SAFF Championship in Bangladesh. Although the team narrowly lost to India, Urbányi delivered an outstanding personal performance, scoring four goals to finish as one of the tournament’s top scorers and earning the Golden Boot.
His second tenure started in 2011 and lasted for two years, during which he also oversaw the national youth teams. He stepped down in 2013 after completing his contract. Notably, during that period he guided the Maldives Under-23 national team to victory in the Rajapaksa International Trophy in Sri Lanka, receiving a triumphant reception upon returning home that he likened to a World Championship celebration, underscoring the deep passion Maldivians have for football.
In a recent interview with Hungarian media, Urbányi explained that his decision to return was influenced by his familiarity with the country and the transition to new leadership within FAM. Since leaving the Maldives, he has remained active in professional coaching, most recently with Sporting Kansas City. In addition to his role as national team head coach, FAM has assigned him the responsibilities of Technical Director.
Urbányi’s extensive experience and familiarity with the local football scene make his reappointment a strategic move. While expressing confidence in President Thoriq’s leadership, he joins FAM at a time when the association is implementing broad initiatives to revive Maldivian football after a period of decline.
