Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nuno Espírito Santo

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nuno Espírito Santo made an impact.

Nuno Espírito Santo is a Portuguese football manager and former goalkeeper, currently managing West Ham United in the Premier League. Known for his tactical approaches and leadership, he has previously managed clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, and Al-Ittihad. His managerial career has been marked by periods of success, particularly at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he led the team to promotion to the Premier League and subsequent European qualification.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1971: Reached UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals

During the 2019-20 season, Nuno Espírito Santo's team reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, the club's best such performance since being finalists in the 1971–72 UEFA Cup.

1996: Represented Portugal at Summer Olympics

In 1996, Espírito Santo represented Portugal at the Summer Olympics, playing four matches.

1998: Backed Up Jacques Songo'o

From 1996-1998, Nuno Espírito Santo backed up Jacques Songo'o during his time with Deportivo La Coruña.

1999: Represented Mérida

In 1999–2000, Nuno Espírito Santo represented Mérida in the Segunda División.

2001: Backed Up José Francisco Molina

In 2001-02, Nuno Espírito Santo backed up José Francisco Molina during his time with Deportivo La Coruña.

July 2002: Signed for Porto

In July 2002, José Mourinho's Porto paid €3 million to sign Espírito Santo.

2003: Scored Penalty Kick for Porto

During a 2003 Taça de Portugal match against Varzim, Mourinho allowed Nuno Espírito Santo to convert a penalty kick, scoring the club's last goal in a 7–0 home win.

January 2007: Returned to Portugal with Aves

In January 2007, Nuno Espírito Santo returned to Portugal for a stint with Aves.

2008: Played Second-Fiddle to Helton

During the 2008-09 season, Nuno Espírito Santo played second-fiddle to Helton, appearing in only four games, but was the starter throughout the domestic cup campaign, including the 1–0 final win against Paços de Ferreira.

2008: UEFA Euro 2008

In 2008, Espírito Santo was part of the Portuguese squad at UEFA Euro 2008, though he never earned a cap for the national team.

2008: Called to Senior Squad for UEFA Euro

In 2008, Nuno Espírito Santo was called to the senior squad competing in UEFA Euro, replacing the injured Quim, but did not play a match.

June 2010: Porto Contract Not Renewed

On June 21, 2010, Porto announced that Espírito Santo's contract would not be renewed.

May 2012: Appointed Rio Ave Manager

In May 2012, Rio Ave dismissed manager Carlos Brito and announced the appointment of Espírito Santo.

2012: Became a Coach

In 2012, Espírito Santo transitioned into coaching, taking charge of Portuguese club Rio Ave.

July 2014: Signed with Valencia

On July 4, 2014, Espírito Santo signed a one-year contract with Valencia in La Liga, replacing Juan Antonio Pizzi.

2014: Rio Ave Domestic Cup Finals

In 2014, Nuno Espírito Santo led Rio Ave to both domestic cup finals.

January 2015: Contract Extension with Valencia

On January 12, 2015, Nuno Espírito Santo agreed to an extension to keep him at Valencia until 2018.

November 2015: Resigned from Valencia

On November 29, 2015, Nuno Espírito Santo resigned from Valencia following a defeat to Sevilla.

June 2016: Signed with Porto

On June 1, 2016, Nuno Espírito Santo signed a two-year contract with Porto, replacing José Peseiro.

May 2017: Relieved of Duties at Porto

On May 22, 2017, Nuno Espírito Santo was relieved of his duties at Porto after a season without silverware.

May 2017: Named Head Coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers

On May 31, 2017, Nuno Espírito Santo was named as the new head coach of EFL Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers, signing a three-year contract.

July 2018: Contract Extended with Wolverhampton Wanderers

On July 10, 2018, Nuno Espírito Santo's contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers was extended until 2021.

2018: Valencia Contract Until

On January 12, 2015, he agreed to an extension to keep him at Valencia until 2018.

September 2020: Contract Extended at Wolves

On September 13, 2020, Nuno Espírito Santo's contract at Wolves was extended until summer 2023.

June 2021: Appointed Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur

On June 30, 2021, Tottenham Hotspur announced Nuno Espírito Santo as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

2021: Manager of Tottenham Hotspur

In 2021, Nuno Espírito Santo became the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, but was later dismissed after four months.

2021: Contract Extended with Wolverhampton Wanderers

On July 10, 2018, Nuno Espírito Santo's contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers was extended until 2021.

July 2022: Manager of Al-Ittihad Club

In July 2022, Espírito Santo became the manager of Al-Ittihad Club.

July 2022: Appointed by Al-Ittihad

On July 4, 2022, Nuno Espírito Santo was appointed by Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

November 2023: Dismissed from Al-Ittihad Club

In November 2023, Nuno Espírito Santo was dismissed from Al-Ittihad Club.

December 2023: Appointed Head Coach of Nottingham Forest

On December 20, 2023, Nuno Espírito Santo was appointed head coach of Premier League club Nottingham Forest.

2023: Contract Extended at Wolves

On September 13, 2020, Nuno Espírito Santo's contract at Wolves was extended until summer 2023.

September 2024: Led Forest to 1-0 Away Win Over Liverpool

On 14 September 2024, Espírito Santo led Forest to a 1–0 away win over Liverpool at Anfield, which was the first time the club had won at Liverpool in any competition since February 1969, ending a 25-game winless run at Anfield, and securing Espírito Santo's first ever Premier League victory against Liverpool. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute.

December 2024: First Win at Old Trafford Since 1994

On 7 December 2024, Espírito Santo led Nottingham Forest to their first win at Old Trafford since 1994, securing a 3–2 victory over Manchester United.

January 2025: Nottingham Forest Sits Third in Premier League

On 6 January 2025, after securing a sixth consecutive Premier League win with a 3–0 away victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest sat third in the Premier League table, defying expectations.

June 2025: Signed new contract with Nottingham Forest

On 21 June 2025, Nuno signed a new contract to stay with Nottingham Forest until 2028.

September 2025: Dismissed from Duties

However on 9 September 2025, Nuno was dismissed from his duties after three Premier League games into the new season. His departure was primarly due to his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis breaking down over the summer, with Nuno also publically expressing his displeasure with the club's activity in the transfer market.

September 2025: Appointed Head Coach of West Ham United

In September 2025, Nuno Espírito Santo became the head coach of West Ham United, a Premier League club, signing a three-year contract after Graham Potter's dismissal.