Updated Jan. 6, 2026, 2:52 p.m. ET
Gov. Phil Murphy gave a shoutout Monday to one of North Jersey’s own making soccer history in Spain – a timely nod that came just one day after Pellegrino Matarazzo made his debut as Real Sociedad’s manager.
Matarazzo, the 48-year-old Fair Lawn native, became the first American to lead a La Liga club when he was hired on Dec. 20, then introduced at a news conference two days later. He agreed to a contract through June 2027, taking over after the club dismissed Sergio Francisco following a third straight league loss.
“Congratulations to Fair Lawn’s own Pellegrino Matarazzo on becoming the first American coach in La Liga!” Murphy wrote on X. “Keep making Jersey proud.”
Matarazzo’s first match in charge came on Jan. 4 when his team finished with a 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid. With 18 points, Real Sociedad (4-6-8) sits in 15th place out of 20 teams.
“I wouldn’t be here right now sitting in front of you if I didn’t know how to deal with challenges,” Matarazzo told reporters at his introductory news conference.
“I accept challenges. It’s a chance to show strength and a chance for success. I know where I am and everything I’ve done up to this point was to get here, and now it’s time to show who I am.”
Pellegrino Matarazzo: A North Jersey foundation
Matarazzo, the son of Italian immigrants, grew up as the oldest of four brothers and quickly emerged as one of North Jersey’s top players. As a freshman, he was named a varsity starter by longtime coach Harvey Egan, and by the time he graduated he had become a two‑time All‑County first‑team selection and an All‑State honoree.
His play drew interest from colleges across the country, but he chose Columbia University, where he became a four‑year starter and team captain as a senior.
Before arriving in Spain, Matarazzo built a long coaching résumé in Germany. He led Stuttgart from 2019-22, then took over Hoffenheim in February 2023 and remained there until November 2024.
That experience positioned him as a rare American voice trusted at the highest levels of soccer.
Learning the language
At his introductory news conference, Matarazzo opened with a prepared statement in Spanish before pivoting to English.
“For me it is a great honor to be here today as coach of Real Sociedad,” Matarazzo said in Spanish. “From the first moment I felt a very clear connection with this club because of its values, for its identity and for the passion with which football lives here.”
Matarazzo told reporters he would try to do his best to learn Spanish in the coming weeks and coming months, but would answer questions in English for the time being.
The language barrier, he insisted, won’t be a problem because of a choice he made back in Fair Lawn.
“I don’t think it will be an issue,” Matarazzo said. “I am grateful that I learned four years of Spanish in high school rather than choosing French.”
