From Serie B to the Champions League: Cesc Fàbregas, the Man Who Changed Como’s Destiny

In just a few years, Cesc Fàbregas has guided Como through an ascent that few clubs can claim. Player, shareholder, assistant coach and then head coach, the Spaniard has climbed every step with the Lombardy-based club, taking them to the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The story between Fàbregas and Como now goes far beyond the usual relationship between a coach and his club. It is a story of shared progress, built step by step, from Italy’s Serie B to the highest level of European football.

An adventure that began on the pitch

In 2023, while still playing for Como, Fàbregas decided to retire from professional football. But he did not leave the club. He remained involved in the project and gradually became one of the key figures behind Como’s transformation.

The first major step came in 2024. After joining the coaching staff, Fàbregas played a role in Como’s promotion to Serie A. The club finished second in Serie B and returned to Italy’s top flight after 21 years away.

It was the first step in an ascent that would soon reach even greater heights.

Read more : Ligue des champions : Como pour une première historique, Assane Diao et Neil El Aynaoui face à Leipzig

From newly promoted side to the top 10

In his first full season as Como’s head coach in Serie A, Fàbregas helped the club establish itself in the top flight. Como finished the 2024-25 season in 10th place, an encouraging achievement for a newly promoted team. But the most impressive chapter was still to come.

During the 2025-26 season, Como reached another level. The team challenged for European places and finished fourth in Serie A with 71 points. That position secured a historic qualification for the Champions League.

For the first time in its history, Como was set to compete in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

And Como did not simply show up

September 10, 2026 will remain a landmark date in the club’s history.

For their very first Champions League appearance, Como hosted RB Leipzig. Rather than being overwhelmed by the occasion, Fàbregas’ side produced a statement performance, securing a commanding 4-1 victory. First Champions League match. First Champions League victory.

The Lombardy club made a remarkable entrance into a competition it had never played in before. After the opening matchday of the league phase, Como even sits fifth in the 36-team standings.

A flying start to the new season

This European performance is part of a particularly promising start to the campaign. After four matches, Como have recorded three wins and one draw: a 1-1 draw against Udinese, a 2-1 victory away to Napoli, a 4-1 win at Genoa and, finally, a 4-1 victory over Leipzig in the Champions League.

A run that confirms that the club’s progress did not stop with its historic European qualification.

Fàbregas, the common thread

What makes this story so remarkable is Fàbregas’ role at every stage of Como’s rise.

He was there when Como were playing in Serie B. He ended his playing career at the club. He contributed to their promotion to Serie A as a member of the coaching staff. He then took charge of the team and guided them into the top 10, before leading them into the top four of the Italian championship.

And now, he is managing Como in the Champions League.

In just three years, the club has gone from Serie B to a team capable of beating RB Leipzig 4-1 in its first-ever European match.

The beginning of a new chapter

The achievement is already remarkable, but Fàbregas does not appear ready to stop there. After helping Como reach the top flight and then guiding them towards the top end of Serie A, his next challenge is to establish the club at an entirely new level.

Como are no longer simply newcomers discovering Serie A. They are now a Champions League club—and, on their very first European night, they sent out a powerful message.

From Serie B to the Champions League, Cesc Fàbregas has not simply changed careers. He has helped change the destiny of Como.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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