Efraín Juárez leaves Pumas UNAM after final loss to take Hungary coaching role

Efraín Juárez is officially done with UNAM Pumas. The coach, who guided the team to the 2026 Clausura final in Liga MX, left the club in June after losing the title to Cruz Azul at CU stadium (0-1). His departure, agreed with club directors, was confirmed days before the 2026 Apertura began, despite Juárez having a contract valid until December 2026.

Juárez, named 2026 Clausura Manager of the Year, clashed with club directors over transfer decisions and team structure. Antonio Sancho, UNAM’s sporting vice-president, announced his exit in an institutional video, closing a year-and-a-half stint at the Pedregal-based team.

Why Juárez left Pumas before his contract ended

Relations between Juárez and UNAM’s board collapsed after the final defeat. The coach demanded greater control over squad building, but directors stood firm. Talks broke down and Juárez resigned, though his contract ran until late 2026.

Pumas, who haven’t won a title since 2011, saw Juárez fall short of ending their drought despite reaching the 2026 Clausura final. His exit was confirmed before the Apertura 2026 kicked off.

Juárez lands at Győri ETO FC, Hungary’s champions

After leaving Pumas, Juárez moved to Europe. He was named head coach of Győri ETO FC in Hungary, the 2025/2026 Nemzeti Bajnokság I champions. The Győr-based club aims to keep its domestic dominance after ending Ferencváros’s run.

Juárez, who had prior European experience as an assistant at Standard Liège and Club Bruges in Belgium, now takes charge at Győri ETO. His next test will be the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Career path: from Atlético Nacional to Pumas

Before Pumas, Juárez had a standout spell at Atlético Nacional in Colombia, winning the 2024 league and cup double. His 2025 arrival at Pumas raised hopes, but no trophies and internal disputes defined his tenure.

Juárez, a Pumas youth product, failed to end the club’s title drought since 2011. Now in Hungary, he faces a fresh challenge in Europe’s top competitions.