Sporting Kansas City on Monday named Rafael Wicky the fifth full-time head coach in franchise history.
Vicky, 48, coached Chicago Fire from 2020 to 2021 before taking over the Young Boys in his hometown. Switzerland from 2022-24 He signed a contract for the 2027–28 MLS season with an option for the 2028–29 campaign.
He becomes the club's first full-time coach since Peter Vermes, who parted ways with Sporting on March 31 after 17 seasons. Interim coach Kerry Zavagnin is coming off a difficult season that ended with the worst record (7-20-7, 28 points) in the Western Conference.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael as the next head coach of Sporting Kansas City,” said President and General Manager David Lee. “Rafa’s experience both domestically and internationally, as well as his success at the highest levels of the game, made him an outstanding candidate during our search.
“He is a leader and proven winner who will bring a humble, collaborative and hard-working approach to his role and will strive to build strong relationships with our players and staff. Rafa's teams are attack-oriented, energetic and possession-oriented – all qualities that represent the style of play we want to implement here in Kansas City.”
Vicky, who also coached the U.S. U-17 team in 2019, posted a 12-25-14 record with the Fire.
“I am very proud to be the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City,” said Vicky, who played for the now-defunct club. MLS for the Chivas USA side in 2008.
“I'm really excited to get started and get to know the team, staff and players. In my conversations with David, we immediately had a good connection and felt very similar in terms of culture and style of play.
“Sporting KC have always been a team that competes for trophies and I feel the club has what it takes to get back to where it belongs – great property, amazing facilities, a talented academy and a beautiful stadium with fantastic fans.”
The hiring comes less than seven weeks before Sporting opens the 2026 MLS season on Feb. 21 at San Jose Earthquakes Stadium.
