Hernán Crespo Returns to São Paulo as Luis Zubeldía’s Successor

São Paulo’s management quickly settled on Hernán Crespo to replace Luis Zubeldía, officially announcing the agreement on the very day of Zubeldía’s departure. Crespo returns to the club where he won the 2021 Campeonato Paulista title.

According to local media sources cited by Olé, only the formal announcement remains to confirm Crespo’s start date. The contract, agreed with his agent Santiago Hirsig, will run until December 2026.

Crespo has been without a team since late 2024, following his departure from Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, where he won the AFC Champions League. His free-agent status was a major factor in São Paulo’s decision, sparing them from paying a contract termination fee.

São Paulo is struggling in the Brasileirão, sitting just above the relegation zone with 12 points in 12 matches. In the Copa Libertadores, they will face Atlético Nacional in the round of 16.

Initially, Crespo will be without striker Jonathan Calleri, who is recovering from a ligament injury suffered in April. The defense will rely on Alan Franco and Enzo Díaz, while Juan Dinenno will lead the attack.

Crespo is no stranger to São Paulo, having managed 57 matches in 2021 during his first stint, achieving 24 wins, 21 draws, and 12 losses after previously winning the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia.