Sporting Kansas City has named Raphaël Wicky, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in domestic and international football, as its new head coach. The Swiss native, 48, joins the club on a two-year contract, which includes an option for the 2028-29 season.
Wicky's appointment marks a significant shift for Sporting KC after Peter Vermes parted ways with the team after 17 seasons in March. Interim coach Kerry Zavagnin struggled to turn things around last season, culminating in the worst record in the Western Conference.
The club's president and general manager, David Lee, hailed Wicky as "a leader and a proven winner" who will bring an attack-minded, high-energy approach to the team. The new head coach is known for his success at top levels of the game and has experience coaching some of the world's most renowned teams.
Wicky, who previously managed Chicago Fire from 2020-21 and BSC Young Boys in Switzerland from 2022-24, compiled a respectable record with the Fire, finishing 12-25-14. He also had a stint as coach of the United States' U-17 squad in 2019.
"I am very proud to be the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City," Wicky said, "and I'm excited to get started and get to know the team, staff, and players." The former Chivas USA player believes that his new club has all the ingredients to return to winning form, with great ownership, state-of-the-art facilities, a talented academy, and passionate fans.
The hiring comes as Sporting KC prepares for its 2026 MLS season opener on February 21st against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Wicky's appointment marks a significant shift for Sporting KC after Peter Vermes parted ways with the team after 17 seasons in March. Interim coach Kerry Zavagnin struggled to turn things around last season, culminating in the worst record in the Western Conference.
The club's president and general manager, David Lee, hailed Wicky as "a leader and a proven winner" who will bring an attack-minded, high-energy approach to the team. The new head coach is known for his success at top levels of the game and has experience coaching some of the world's most renowned teams.
Wicky, who previously managed Chicago Fire from 2020-21 and BSC Young Boys in Switzerland from 2022-24, compiled a respectable record with the Fire, finishing 12-25-14. He also had a stint as coach of the United States' U-17 squad in 2019.
"I am very proud to be the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City," Wicky said, "and I'm excited to get started and get to know the team, staff, and players." The former Chivas USA player believes that his new club has all the ingredients to return to winning form, with great ownership, state-of-the-art facilities, a talented academy, and passionate fans.
The hiring comes as Sporting KC prepares for its 2026 MLS season opener on February 21st against the San Jose Earthquakes.
but hey raphaël wicky seems like a great coach, his experience and leadership skills are definitely assets for the team 
he knows how to build a winning culture, that's awesome! the club has all the right pieces in place now, it's just about getting everyone on the same page and fighting for those three points 
can't wait to see what the future holds for sporting kc and raphaël wicky!!! 
. And what's with all the hype about him being a "proven winner" and an "attack-minded coach"? I need some stats or quotes from his former teams to believe this guy can turn Sporting KC around 
.
️. I'm loving the fact that they got someone who knows what it takes to win at top levels and has worked with some amazing teams in the past 
I was flying over the city with my cat, Mr. Whiskers, and we were chasing after a giant piece of pizza that kept escaping us 
it was so real! I woke up thinking about how much I love pizza and now I'm craving some 
I wonder if they have any good spots near Sporting KC's stadium? 
sporting kansas city just got their new head coach raphaël wicky and i am SO down 
he's got loads of exp with top teams like chicago fire & bsc young boys, and even coached the us under 17 squad 
can't wait to see him bring that high-energy attack-minded style to KC 
now let's hope kerry zavagnin's interim stint is just a blip on the radar 
. Two years is a decent chunk of time, should give him and the team to settle in and build momentum 
...
Last season was pretty bad, worst record in the Western Conference 
But hey, at least they're trying something new