Wales Coach Craig Bellamy Draws Interest Amid Commitment to Euro 2028
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is garnering interest from various clubs, but Noel Mooney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, hopes the individual he describes as a "genius" will remain in his position until Euro 2028.
Following his connection to the Celtic job after Brendan Rodgers' departure in October, Bellamy reaffirmed his commitment to the Wales national team.
The 46-year-old coach, who signed a four-year contract upon his appointment as Wales boss in July 2024, has made a significant impact in his first senior managerial role.
Under Bellamy's leadership, Wales has achieved promotion to the top tier of the Nations League and stands on the brink of qualifying for next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, pending the outcome of their play-off matches in March.
Bellamy has also introduced an innovative style of play, which has piqued the interest of club teams, although Mooney noted that there has not yet been a formal approach.
"There hasn't been a formal approach, but there's certainly interest in Craig. Wherever I go, I hear about his style of football," Mooney told BBC Sport Wales. "If I were the CEO of a football club seeking to play attractive, expansive football, I would certainly consider him, as he is an exceptional coach with a fantastic backroom team. It's only natural that he will attract interest in the future, and we are fully prepared for that."
The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward earned 78 caps for Wales, scoring 19 goals, yet he never had the opportunity to represent his country in a major tournament.
This history drives his ambition to lead Wales to the 2026 World Cup, and he has expressed that managing the national team at Euro 2028 on home soil is a "massive" incentive.
Wales will co-host Euro 2028 alongside England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, with Cardiff's Principality Stadium set to host the opening match.
"I was with him at the rugby when Wales faced the All Blacks in November, and we both looked around the stadium, imagining the kickoff for Euro 2028 in a packed arena. That will be another chapter for Welsh football," Mooney remarked.
"As part of the legacy he aims to create for Welsh football, we would love for him to stay through Euro 2028 and lead the team. He is genuinely enthusiastic about this opportunity. However, we also recognize the realities of the situation. If a top club like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Liverpool came calling, that would naturally be appealing to anyone. He is competitive and has reached the pinnacle of the sport on the pitch, so it's only natural that he aspires to do the same off the pitch as well.
"If he continues to coach the way he did against North Macedonia, where Wales triumphed 7-1 in November, I would be surprised if he doesn't appear on the radar of clubs seeking a talented young coach who plays attractive football."