Born - Madrid, April 16, 1960
After a knee injury forced him into premature retirement ending a modest playing career, Benitez began coaching in the Real Madrid youth section.
1993-1995 - Coached Real Madrid B while they were in the Spanish second division.
1995/96 - Took control at first division Valladolid, but was sacked with the side lying bottom of the table after just two victories in 23 matches.
1996/97 - Coach of second division Osasuna, but left after the side won just one of the first nine games of the season.
1997/98 - Took charge of second division Extremadura and guided them to promotion to La Liga in his first season in charge.
1998/99 - Left Extremadura when they were relegated after a season in the top flight.
2000/01 - Joined second division Tenerife and won promotion to La Liga but left at end of season to take charge of Valencia.
2001/02 - Led Valencia to their first league title in 31 years in his first season in charge.
2002/2003 - Valencia were narrowly defeated by Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals and finished fifth in the Primera Liga to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
2004, May 9 - Valencia win La Liga for the second time in three seasons, finishing five points ahead of second-placed Barcelona.
2004, May 19 - Valencia beat Olympique Marseille 2-0 in UEFA Cup final in Gothenburg to win their first domestic and European double.
2004, June 1 - Benitez resigns as coach of Valencia amid reports that he is poised to join England's Liverpool.
2004, June 16 - Liverpool confirm Benitez appointment as new manager.
Will Benitez bring success back to Anfield?