Pablo Zabaleta joined West Ham United in 2017 after nine years at Manchester City. The multiple Premier League title winner was reunited with his former City boss, Manuel Pellegrini, at the London Stadium.
Zabaleta played 80 times for West Ham, scoring once in the FA Cup against Gillingham and providing two assists for the club. He departed the club in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After retiring, Zabaleta worked in the media for ESPN on their La Liga coverage, whilst he also has experience working for the BBC at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Now, the former Hammer is looking to have a more prominent role at the World Cup this summer.
Since 2023, Zabaleta has been working as the assistant coach to Sylvinho with Albania. They took them to Euro 2024, where Albania was eliminated in the group stage.
Could Pablo Zabaleta help guide Albania to the World Cup?
During the World Cup qualifiers, Albania finished second to England in Group K. This ensured Albania a place in the playoffs, where they will play Poland in the semi-finals on March 26. They will then play either Ukraine or Sweden in the final.
Sweden is now managed by former West Ham manager Graham Potter. He was in charge of the Hammers at the start of this season before being replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo. Potter's predecessor at West Ham, Julen Lopetegui, has already secured a place at the World Cup this summer, with Qatar.
It would be some achievement if Zabaleta helps Albania to the World Cup, as they have never been to the tournament before. Their roster does not include many notable names; Armando Broja of Burnley is their only player who competes in the Premier League.