-
Jeff Carlisle
Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday the hiring of Raphael Wicky as the team’s new manager.
The 48-year-old Wicky takes over from Peter Vermes, who was dismissed on March 31 due to a disappointing start to the 2025 season. Kerry Zavagnin served as interim manager for the remainder of the year.
Wicky steps in after a challenging season for Sporting Kansas City, who finished last in the Western Conference with only 28 points from 34 matches. This performance contributed to the appointment of David Lee as sporting director.
“I am incredibly proud to be the head coach of Sporting Kansas City,” Wicky stated. “I am eager to begin and get familiar with the team, the staff, and the players. My discussions with David were instantly constructive, and we share similar visions regarding culture and playing style.
“Sporting KC has a rich history of competing for trophies, and I believe the club possesses all the elements needed to return to that status—excellent ownership, outstanding facilities, a talented academy, a beautiful stadium, and dedicated fans.”
Wicky’s most recent managerial role was with Swiss club Young Boys from 2022 to 2024, where he achieved a league and cup double in the 2022-23 season. He has also managed FC Basel, the U.S. U-17 national team, and served as head coach of Chicago Fire FC from December 2019 to September 2021, a tenure impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since leaving Young Boys, Wicky has been mentioned as a candidate for various coaching roles, including those at Rangers FC and Middlesbrough FC.
Additionally, a source informed ESPN that Wicky was among the finalists for the New York City FC head coaching position last year, which ultimately went to Pascal Jansen.
“We are excited to welcome Raphael as the next head coach of Sporting Kansas City,” Lee remarked.
“His extensive experience, both domestically and internationally, combined with his track record of success, distinguished him as the top candidate we were searching for. He is a leader and a proven winner who will foster a humble, collaborative, and diligent work ethic. Rapha’s teams are known for their attacking style, high energy, and possession-based play—all qualities we aspire to implement here in Kansas City.”
Wicky had a successful playing career, featuring for clubs such as Sion, Werder Bremen, Atlético Madrid, Hamburg SV, and Chivas USA.
On the international stage, Wicky earned 75 caps for the Switzerland national team.