Antonio Mohamed will take the helm of UNAM Pumas with a clear mission: restore the Cats to a position of leadership in Mexican football. Following Rafael Puente’s brief spell, the club moved quickly to install a new coach who could lift the team from a mid-table lull and push it back into title contention.
The decision fell on Turco Mohamed, a seasoned Argentine manager with a storied coaching CV in Liga MX and abroad. The board at UNAM believes his extensive experience, coupled with a track record of success, puts the club on a path to end a drought that has stretched for more than a decade without a domestic championship. Mohamed is seen as a catalyst who can blend tactical discipline with a forward-looking approach to revive the Universidad Nacional team’s prestige.
In this overview, the career of Turco Mohamed in professional football is mapped out, highlighting the milestones that shaped him as both player and manager and underscoring how his journey has influenced his coaching philosophy and expectations for the Pumas.
ANTONIO MOHAMED: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CAREER
Mohamed began his professional playing career in 1987 with Huracán, earning his first stripes in Argentina’s domestic scene. He stayed with Huracán through 1991, before moving on to brief spells with Boca Juniors and Independiente. His path then carried him to Mexico in 1993, where he joined Toros Neza. That move marked the start of what would become the most productive phase of his playing career, as he wore the shirts of several notable clubs in the Mexican league, including América, Monterrey, Marte, Irapuato, Atlante, Celaya, and Zacatepec. During this era, he operated primarily as an attacking midfielder, delivering flair and creativity that helped teams compete at high levels.
His on-field achievements include winning the Primera B title with Huracán, claiming the Master Cup with Boca Juniors, and securing the Copa América with the Argentina national team. These successes underscored his ability to contribute to winning environments and to perform on big stages, both domestically and internationally.
As a head coach, Mohamed built a substantial resume across Mexican football. He led teams such as Zacatepec, Monarcas Morelia, Querétaro, Jaguares, Veracruz, Xolos, América, and Monterrey. His coaching career is highlighted by league titles with Tijuana, América, and Monterrey in 2012, 2014, and 2019, respectively, showcasing his capacity to guide squads to trophy runs and sustained performance within Liga MX. His approach blends solid defensive organization with a dynamic attack, a combination that has yielded success across multiple clubs and competitions.
Mohamed’s coaching journey isn’t limited to Mexico. He has accumulated valuable experience in Argentina, Spain, and Brazil, where he has continued to shape teams toward competitive standards. His achievements include winning the Primera B with Huracán, the Copa Sudamericana with Independiente, and national and regional trophies such as the Campeonato Mineiro and the Brazilian Super Cup with Atlético Mineiro. This international exposure informs his tactical sensibilities and his ability to adapt to different leagues, styles, and pressures.
For UNAM, Mohamed’s diverse background translates into a leadership profile capable of guiding a young, ambitious squad. He brings a reputation for building cohesive teams that press with purpose, transition quickly, and exploit spaces behind opposing lines. The fusion of his playing experience, championship pedigree, and cross-cultural coaching—combined with the club’s resources and the support of the institution—positions the Pumas to pursue a renewed era of competitive performance and potential championships.
Altogether, Turco Mohamed’s track record as both player and manager demonstrates a consistent commitment to excellence and a pragmatic, adaptable coaching style. His arrival at UNAM is framed as a strategic move to reassert the club’s status as a title contender in Mexican football and to inspire a generation of players to reach new heights under his leadership.