Francis Cagigao, renowned for discovering talents like Cesc Fàbregas during his 20+ years at Arsenal, joins Spartak Moscow after a successful stint at Galatasaray.
Francis Cagigao, the celebrated former Arsenal scout who played a key role in unearthing stars like Cesc Fàbregas, has taken the next step in his career by joining Spartak Moscow as their new director of football.
This move follows a 19-month stint at Galatasaray, where Cagigao oversaw a highly successful period, including a domestic double during the 2023/24 season whilst also bringing Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, and Michy Batshuayi to the club.
Cagigao’s career spans decades of exceptional scouting and talent development. Most notably, during his 20+ years at Arsenal, he was instrumental in reshaping the club’s recruitment strategy.
His work brought in players such as Santi Cazorla, Robin van Persie, Héctor Bellerín, Alexis Sánchez, and the iconic Fàbregas, whom he convinced to leave Barcelona’s La Masia academy at just 16, among many, many others.
Following his Arsenal tenure, which ended during the club’s 2020 restructuring, Cagigao worked with the Chilean Football Federation, where he was responsible for ‘elevating their sporting framework’. His subsequent appointment at Galatasaray saw him continue his legacy of success in elite football management.
Reflecting on his departure from Galatasaray via social media, Cagigao expressed gratitude for his time at the Turkish club: “I thank Galatasaray for the opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious clubs in Turkey and Europe. I am proud of what we achieved together.”
While Spartak Moscow represents a new challenge, the appointment underscores Cagigao’s enduring reputation as one of the most respected figures in football. Known for his ability to identify talent and build competitive teams, his arrival is expected to strengthen Spartak’s ambitions in domestic and European competitions.
The move also rekindles discussions about Cagigao’s indelible impact at Arsenal. Despite leaving under contentious circumstances, his contributions are regarded as foundational to the club’s modern identity.
Reflecting on his time there, he stated, “I’m very proud of the time I spent [at Arsenal] and my personal achievements. I feel privileged to have worked for the club and with incredible people.”
Now in Moscow, Cagigao’s expertise will be put to the test once again as he works to restore Spartak’s prominence.
Francis Cagigao on Jose Antonio Reyes
When Reyes was tragically killed in a car crash in 2019, Cagigao spoke to the media in Spain.
“The first time I saw him he was playing for Sevilla youth players,” Cagigao said. “He seemed to me an immense talent and already then I recommended his signing. It was clear to me from the first moment, he had a great talent
“He was a sweet boy. An innocent boy in many ways, who could not speak English, who had a difficult adjustment period, but with an immense talent for soccer and fabulous potential. As a person he left his mark on how good a person and how humble he was.
“No one can speak ill of José Antonio. I don’t remember any incident, or any bad word with someone in those years, and that speaks a lot about him.
“He was a footballer with world-class potential who was part of the invincible team of the Arsenal who went 49 games undefeated, including a whole season without losing. It was a glorious time. I am sure that the news of his death affected many people and many colleagues with whom he shared a locker in those years
“Upon landing,I had 110 messages [about Reyes’ death] and I was devastated. A brutality. A horror.
“He was a wonderful boy, humble and good person. Nobody deserves to have his life taken so cruelly at 35 years old, and even more so leaving family. It is an immense tragedy.”
He then spoke about Reyes’s move to Arsenal, adding, “It all happened very quickly. He made the jump from youth to the first team, and from there to the under-21, then to Arsenal, the national team, … It was all very fast. He was a very homely boy, with few words, but with a smile always on. With the whole family very close, all covering him, a family very from Utrera to which everything also happened very quickly and who arrived in a megalopolis like London. It was not easy for anyone.
“He had immense potential and talent that perhaps he did not fully realise, but the reasons are for a much more complex and very difficult analysis.
“It says a lot about him that a five-time winner of the Europa League, a world football record, had that ambition to continue playing. Reyes loved soccer most of all.”
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