Craig Bellamy Appointed as Wales Coach: 'Proudest Moment of My Career'

Former Wales captain Craig Bellamy was appointed as head coach of the national team until 2028 on Tuesday.

“It's the proudest moment of my career,” said Bellamy, who retired from playing in 2014. “It was always my ultimate dream.”

Bellamy, known for his pace as a striker with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle, most recently served as assistant coach at Burnley in the English Premier League. This marks his first senior coaching role.

During his playing career from 1998 to 2014, Bellamy made 78 appearances for Wales and captained the team from 2007 to 2010.

Bellamy's debut match as head coach will be against Turkey in the Nations League.

Wales has been without a coach since Robert Page's departure in June, following the team's failure to qualify for the European Championship. Page did, however, guide Wales to the 2022 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament since 1958.