From Mexican governor to soccer coach: Enrique Alfaro’s bold career pivot

A political heavyweight leaves office to chase a dream on the pitch. His journey from Jalisco’s governor to Real Valladolid’s bench is redefining ambition.

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2025 December 7 . 1:07 PM

1 min read

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From Mexican governor to soccer coach: Enrique Alfaro’s bold career pivot

Former Jalisco governor kicks off his second career as a pro soccer coach

Four years ago, Jalisco Gov. Enrique Alfaro was weighing a presidential run. Now, he's an assistant soccer coach in Spain's second division.

2025-12-05T21:59:39+00:00

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Enrique Alfaro, the former governor of Jalisco, has taken on a surprising new role as an assistant soccer coach for Real Valladolid in Spain’s second division. At 50, he left politics behind to chase a long-held passion for football after achieving his professional goals in government.

Alfaro’s political career included leadership in the centrist Movimiento Ciudadano party, where he was a vocal critic of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and the ruling Morena party. During his time as governor, he faced threats from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, though there is no indication he left Mexico due to legal issues or exile.

Alfaro’s shift from politics to football marks a bold career change. His experience in coaching education and his role at Real Valladolid suggest he is building the skills needed for a future in Mexican football. For now, he remains focused on his duties in Spain’s second division.