Rafael "Rafa" Ben�tez Maudes is a Spanish football manager, and former player. He is currently manager of Napoli. Born in Madrid, Ben�tez played football throughout his youth and joined the Real Madrid academy. He mixed his university studies with his football career at lower division Spanish teams. He joined Real Madrid's coaching staff at the age of 26, going on to work as the under 19 and reserve team coach, and assistant manager for the senior team. Ben�tez moved away from Real Madrid, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. Ben�tez guided Segunda Divisi�n side Extremadura back to the Primera Divisi�n in his first season in 1997, but the team was relegated the following season. He left the club, taking a brief break from football before returning to coach Tenerife in 2000. Ben�tez was appointed coach of Valencia and he proved himself to be amongst the top Spanish managers by winning La Liga in the 2001?02 season?Don Bal�n and El Pa�s named him Manager of the Year. In 2004, another La Liga league title and a UEFA Cup victory were added. 

April 16th, 1960 in Madrid (Age 64)