The search for China’s next national team manager appears to be gathering pace—and a familiar name has re-emerged at the centre of the conversation. Juan Carlos Osorio, the experienced Colombian tactician known for his tenure with Mexico and a host of club stints across the Americas and Europe, is now reportedly one of the frontrunners to take the helm of the Chinese national side.

The revelation came via a tweet from Colombian transfer insider Pipe Sierra, who stated on July 17 (KST) that Osorio had long been on the radar of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), and that the South American coach is being seriously considered for a role with a focus on youth development and long-term structural rebuilding.

A Well-Traveled Strategist

Chinese media outlets have since corroborated the news. Sina Sports highlighted Osorio’s diverse managerial CV, which includes roles with Atlético Nacional, São Paulo FC, and even a brief stint as an assistant at Manchester City. His international portfolio is equally rich, having led national teams in Mexico and Paraguay.

Osorio’s most prominent success came during his time with the Mexican national team from 2015 to 2018, where he engineered an impressive 22-game unbeaten run in international fixtures. He is best remembered for guiding Mexico to the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, including a historic 1-0 win over Germany and a 2-1 victory over South Korea in the group stage. His tactical nous and adaptability were widely praised during that tournament.

Now, China may be next.

A Strategic Fit for China’s Rebuilding Project

Chinese outlet Sina.com reported that Osorio had actively applied for the China job and is now being viewed as a serious contender by CFA decision-makers. The report also outlined Osorio’s reputation for developing young talent—an area that aligns with the CFA’s latest project: a generational overhaul of the national team.

Tencent Sports further fuelled speculation, outlining the CFA’s four key criteria for the new managerial appointment—all of which, it says, Osorio satisfies: international pedigree, youth development acumen, tactical expertise, and salary requirements. With Osorio’s wage demands reportedly within the association’s €1.2 million budget, negotiations appear to be on solid ground.

Tencent also noted Osorio’s past working relationship with former Chinese international Sun Jihai during their time together at Manchester City. This has prompted speculation that Sun could be invited to join the national team staff should Osorio accept the role.

Iran Interest Turned Down

Further intrigue has been added by reports that Osorio also received an offer from the Iranian Football Federation. However, the coach is believed to favour the Chinese project due to its structure, financial terms, and long-term ambition—an encouraging sign for CFA officials hoping to land a candidate of pedigree.

Overshadowing Other Contenders

The emergence of Osorio has seemingly pushed other candidates into the background. Just weeks ago, former South Korea manager Paulo Bento and Spain’s Félix Sánchez were among the names linked with the China job, with Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro having reportedly submitted a formal application.

But while those rumours stirred local Chinese media, they never gained traction among international journalists or transfer specialists. In contrast, the Osorio links have been driven by credible global sources, giving his candidacy a sense of momentum and legitimacy others have lacked.

South American Flair, Asian Challenge?

Should Osorio be appointed, he would become the first South American to manage China’s senior national team—a move that would mark a significant philosophical shift for the CFA. While his résumé is impressive, there remain questions about whether his style and methods, rooted in South American tactical systems, would translate effectively to the dynamics of Chinese football.

Nonetheless, his track record of rebuilding teams, instilling tactical discipline, and nurturing young talent makes him a compelling option at a time when China seeks both short-term improvement and long-term sustainability.

With the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship now in the rearview mirror, the CFA’s managerial search is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. All signs point to a decision that could shape not just the team’s immediate prospects, but the next chapter in Chinese football’s evolving identity.

Whether Osorio will be at the heart of that story remains to be seen—but the signs, for now, are increasingly promising.