Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Photo by: Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Pellegrino Matarazzo ’99CC Makes History by Leading Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey Title
4/27/2026 4:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
First U.S.-born manager to win a trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues
NEW YORK — Columbia men's soccer alumnus Pellegrino Matarazzo '99CC made history in the sport this past week, leading Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey title. Matarazzo, who was appointed manager of the La Liga club in December, is the first United States-born soccer coach to win a major trophy in one of Europe's top five leagues.
Real Sociedad triumphed over Atlético Madrid in the final, 2-2 (4-3 on penalties), held April 18 at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain. The cup title is the fourth in the historic Spanish football club's history.
"I generally stay focused on the day-to-day work and improvement, but moments like this help you realize the bigger picture," Matarazzo told Columbia Athletics. "Knowing that many people in the U.S., the Columbia community, and other soccer communities follow Real Sociedad and feel connected to my journey is really special. It's something I don't take for granted, and it motivates me to continue representing them in the best possible way.
"There are a number of people I'm really grateful to from my time at Columbia. My coaches and teammates played a huge role in shaping my character and mindset. I'd also like to give a special shoutout to Jackie Blackett. She had a very positive influence on my development during two key moments of my time at Columbia. I'll always be grateful for her support and for the incredible work she's done with all student-athletes."
Matarazzo's managerial career took off in 2019 when he was appointed to the position at VfB Stuttgart. He earned the club promotion to Germany's Bundesliga in the 2019-20 season and achieved a ninth-place finish in the table in 2020-21. Matarazzo held that position until October of 2022 and later went on to be named manager of TSG Hoffenheim, also in the Bundesliga, in February of 2023. After a ninth-month stint and a subsequent year away from managing, he was appointed the manager of Real Sociedad in December of 2025.
"Pellegrino Matarazzo's victory is a moment of pride for Columbia, for American soccer, and for the Italian-American community," said Giuseppe Commisso '06SEAS, President of ACF Fiorentina and son of the late Rocco B. Commisso '71SEAS, '75BUS. "As the son of Italian immigrants, his journey reflects the power of perseverance, discipline, and belief in opportunity. From the classrooms of Columbia as a mathematics graduate to the pitch as a two-time All-Ivy League player, and now to the pinnacle of European football, his path is both exceptional and inspiring, defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. By leading Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey, becoming the first American coach to win a major trophy in one of Europe's top five football countries, he has not only made history, but has also opened doors for future generations. His achievement honors his family, his heritage, and his alma mater, and stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent meets determination."
The Matarazzo name is synonymous with the Columbia men's soccer program. Pellegrino, a two-time All-Ivy League selection, has two younger brothers, Leopoldo '01CC and Antonio '16CC, who were both All-Ivy League honorees themselves while at Columbia. Antonio became a 2016 MLS SuperDraft selection by Orlando City SC.
"My time at Columbia was incredibly formative, both on and off the field," Matarazzo added. "Being part of the men's soccer program challenged me to grow in a demanding, competitive environment while balancing academics at the highest level. The experience strengthened my sense of teamwork while teaching me tenacity, resilience, and how to manage a heavy workload. It provided me with a strong foundation as a person, not just as a player, which continues to help me navigate the intricacies and demands of professional football."
FOLLOW THE LIONS:
For the latest on Columbia men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@CULionsMSOC), on Facebook (ColumbiaMensSoccer), or by visiting GoColumbiaLions.com.
Real Sociedad triumphed over Atlético Madrid in the final, 2-2 (4-3 on penalties), held April 18 at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain. The cup title is the fourth in the historic Spanish football club's history.
"I generally stay focused on the day-to-day work and improvement, but moments like this help you realize the bigger picture," Matarazzo told Columbia Athletics. "Knowing that many people in the U.S., the Columbia community, and other soccer communities follow Real Sociedad and feel connected to my journey is really special. It's something I don't take for granted, and it motivates me to continue representing them in the best possible way.
"There are a number of people I'm really grateful to from my time at Columbia. My coaches and teammates played a huge role in shaping my character and mindset. I'd also like to give a special shoutout to Jackie Blackett. She had a very positive influence on my development during two key moments of my time at Columbia. I'll always be grateful for her support and for the incredible work she's done with all student-athletes."
Matarazzo's managerial career took off in 2019 when he was appointed to the position at VfB Stuttgart. He earned the club promotion to Germany's Bundesliga in the 2019-20 season and achieved a ninth-place finish in the table in 2020-21. Matarazzo held that position until October of 2022 and later went on to be named manager of TSG Hoffenheim, also in the Bundesliga, in February of 2023. After a ninth-month stint and a subsequent year away from managing, he was appointed the manager of Real Sociedad in December of 2025.
"Pellegrino Matarazzo's victory is a moment of pride for Columbia, for American soccer, and for the Italian-American community," said Giuseppe Commisso '06SEAS, President of ACF Fiorentina and son of the late Rocco B. Commisso '71SEAS, '75BUS. "As the son of Italian immigrants, his journey reflects the power of perseverance, discipline, and belief in opportunity. From the classrooms of Columbia as a mathematics graduate to the pitch as a two-time All-Ivy League player, and now to the pinnacle of European football, his path is both exceptional and inspiring, defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. By leading Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey, becoming the first American coach to win a major trophy in one of Europe's top five football countries, he has not only made history, but has also opened doors for future generations. His achievement honors his family, his heritage, and his alma mater, and stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent meets determination."
The Matarazzo name is synonymous with the Columbia men's soccer program. Pellegrino, a two-time All-Ivy League selection, has two younger brothers, Leopoldo '01CC and Antonio '16CC, who were both All-Ivy League honorees themselves while at Columbia. Antonio became a 2016 MLS SuperDraft selection by Orlando City SC.
"My time at Columbia was incredibly formative, both on and off the field," Matarazzo added. "Being part of the men's soccer program challenged me to grow in a demanding, competitive environment while balancing academics at the highest level. The experience strengthened my sense of teamwork while teaching me tenacity, resilience, and how to manage a heavy workload. It provided me with a strong foundation as a person, not just as a player, which continues to help me navigate the intricacies and demands of professional football."
FOLLOW THE LIONS:
For the latest on Columbia men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@CULionsMSOC), on Facebook (ColumbiaMensSoccer), or by visiting GoColumbiaLions.com.
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