Monza: Pedro Obiang becomes sporting director one month after retirement

Hardly retired, the 34-year-old former midfielder Pedro Obiang has been appointed sporting director of AC Monza. He begins this new adventure after a 16-year professional career.

Pedro Obiang wasted no time transitioning into his post-playing career. Just a month after obtaining his sporting director certification at Coverciano, the former midfielder has officially been named sporting director of AC Monza—the very club where he just wrapped up his playing days. He succeeds Nicolas Burdisso and will now take charge of the Biancorossi’s sporting direction.

An immediate transition

Obiang’s appointment comes on the heels of a particularly significant final season with Monza. In 2025-2026, he featured in 36 matches and scored two goals, playing a key role in the club’s return to Serie A. This campaign thus marked both the end of his playing career and the beginning of a new chapter within the Lombard institution.

After 16 years as a professional footballer, Obiang is making a direct leap from the locker room to the boardroom. Monza is banking on his football knowledge, top-level experience, and personality to oversee sporting matters, especially squad building and future transfer windows.

A career built between Italy and England

Born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and of Equatoguinean descent, Pedro Obiang began his development at Sampdoria. It was with the Genoese club that he broke through at the highest level, making his professional debut before establishing himself as a recognized midfielder in Serie A.

His journey next took him to England with West Ham before returning to Italy with Sassuolo. Over the years, Obiang stood out for his work rate in midfield, solidity, and ability to perform in the demanding environment of top-flight football.

A new mission for the promoted club

Now, his role will be very different. Obiang will be tasked with building a team capable of staying in Serie A and securing Monza’s place among the Italian elite for the long term. His recent connection to the dressing room is an asset, but this first foray into a sporting director role also represents a true shift in responsibilities.

The club is counting on the same professionalism, charisma, and commitment that defined the former midfielder’s playing career. Pedro Obiang hasn’t left football behind—he’s simply switched sides. After 16 years defending his clubs’ colors on the pitch, his new mission is to shape their future from Monza’s offices.

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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Monza

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