Sociedad’s Matarazzo: The American coach who studied math at Columbia and grew up watching Maradona

Pellegrino Matarazzo, an American-born Italian-American coach who studied mathematics at Columbia University, led Real Sociedad to its fourth Copa del Rey title in 2026. Known for growing up idolizing Diego Maradona and transitioning from a playing career in Germany to management, Matarazzo guided the team from near-relegation to a historic trophy win.