The allure of the Santiago Bernabéu dugout is undeniable. For managers across the globe, leading Los Blancos represents the absolute summit of professional football. Now, a new name has thrown his hat into the ring for the future, with current Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle declaring his ambition to become the first African to manage the Spanish giants.
While the role is currently occupied by greatness, the ambition shown by the Malian-born tactician highlights just how widely the Real Madrid influence reaches.
A Historic Ambition
Speaking in a recent interview with RMC Sport, Chelle did not shy away from his long-term goals. After a playing career with Valenciennes and a managerial career that is rapidly gaining traction in international football, Chelle made it clear where he wants his path to end.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle stated.
For Chelle, this isn’t just about managing a top club; it is about breaking a barrier and reaching the pinnacle of European club football.
Fresh Off AFCON Success
Chelle is currently riding a wave of relative success. He recently guided the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Navigating a squad filled with high-profile European stars is never easy, and his tenure has shown he can handle the pressure. In his recent interviews, he reflected on the management challenges of the tournament, including handling reported tensions between Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
For Real Madrid fans, the ability to manage big egos and dressing room harmony is a prerequisite for the job—a trait Chelle is currently refining on the international stage.
The “Waterman” Incident and Resilience
Eric Chelle also took the time to address a viral moment that Real Madrid fans might have seen circulating on social media: the “Waterman” incident.
During the 2023 AFCON with Mali, Chelle was seen collapsing near the bench, having water poured on him during a dramatic loss to Ivory Coast. While it became a meme, Chelle revealed on the After Afrique podcast that it was due to a serious heart condition, atrial fibrillation, where his heart was beating at 200 bpm.
“I was being monitored… but I had dizziness and fainting spells. I spent the entire AFCON like that,” Chelle explained. “The physiotherapist next to me knew I was fainting and put water on my head to keep me awake.”
Since then, Eric Chelle has undergone heart surgery and confirmed his condition has improved, allowing him to focus fully on his tactical evolution and his dream of one day standing on the touchline in the Spanish capital.
A Long Road to Valdebebas
While the jump from international management in Africa to the Real Madrid hot seat is a massive one, Chelle’s ambition is a testament to the club’s global standing. For now, he continues to build his reputation with Nigeria, hoping that one day, his resume will be undeniable enough for Florentino Pérez to take notice.