From Premier League Wonderkid to Mentor: Where is Cesc Fàbregas Now?

Cesc Fàbregas wasn’t just a footballer, he was a generational playmaker whose vision shaped every team he joined. From captaining Arsenal at 21 to lifting the World Cup with Spain, his story blended genius and grit. Today, he’s writing a very different kind of chapter — as a successful coach in Italy’s Serie A.

Youngest Ever Arsenal Captain

Cesc Fàbregas burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy at Arsenal, becoming the club’s youngest-ever first-team player at just 16 years. His technical ability, vision, and maturity beyond his years quickly earned him the captain’s armband with a record age of only 21 years. At Arsenal, he orchestrated play with elegance, racking up over 300 appearances and nearly 100 assists, becoming one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders of his generation. After his return to boyhood club FC Barcelona in 2011, Fàbregas won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and a host of domestic titles, playing alongside fellow La Masía graduates Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué. He later joined Chelsea, where he added another Premier League title and an FA Cup to his name, cementing his status as one of the few players to find success across England and Spain.

Internationally, Fàbregas played key roles in Spain’s golden generation, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. He delivered the decisive penalty in the 2008 semifinal shootout, helping send Spain to the final with confidence. His pinpoint through balls, perfectly weighted passes, and brilliant sense of space became trademarks of his midfield mastery. By his retirement, he had played over 800 professional matches and was among the most decorated midfielders of his generation.

Life After Football: Head Coach at Como 1907

After retiring in 2023, Cesc Fàbregas chose to continue his journey at Como 1907, where he last played. He took on a dual role as coach and part-owner, helping guide the club’s sporting direction from within. Fàbregas worked closely with both the first team and youth squads, sharing his elite-level experience on and off the pitch. “I’ve played under the best managers in the world — now it’s time to use that experience to help others,” he said in an interview. His presence helped Como become known as an ambitious, forward-thinking project with long-term vision and identity. In his debut coaching season, he led Como to second place in Serie B, earning promotion to Serie A. The following season, Como finished 10th in Serie A — their best top-flight result ever and a new club points record.

Fun fact: Como 1907 has one of the smallest-capacity stadiums in a European first-division league. Check out the other four smallest-capacity stadiums here.

Beyond the pitch, Fàbregas is building a post-football identity that combines coaching, entrepreneurship, and media work. He also appears regularly as an expert for international broadcasters, sharing sharp insights and a deep understanding of today’s game. Additionally, he supports youth football programs in Spain and Italy, often stressing player development and mental resilience. Whether mentoring young talent, reshaping a club’s future, or inspiring fans through media — Fàbregas shows football evolves after retirement. And for Cesc, that evolution looks as precise and intentional as the passes he once delivered on the pitch.

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Ready for more?

If you’re further interested in player’s lives off the pitch, check out this story about Fábio Coentrão becoming a fishermen with an entire fleet after retiring.

From exclusive interviews to business moves and lifestyle beyond the pitch — explore more stories inside the Player’s Lounge.

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